Water hardness in Howard
9 gpg hard
Tap water in Howard is hard: 9 gpg (154 mg/L · 8.6 °dH · 15.4 °fH).
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Howard Waterworks) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Howard receives Lake Michigan water from the Central Brown County Water Authority, which Manitowoc Public Utilities treats and sends through a long pipeline; the village switched from radium-affected wells. Lake water carries carbonate from the basin's limestone and dolomite, hence 154 mg/L CaCO₃. Hard water, with scale on kettles and heaters.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Howard Waterworks |
How Howard compares
- Tap water in Howard is close to the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 692 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 49 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Wisconsin it is number 331 of 448 cities; the regional median is 14.3 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Kimberly, 40 km away (5.6 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Pulaski, 17 km away (16.4 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Howard
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H2 |
From each brand's manual for the model family named in the source; your model may differ, so check its manual. All brands and how to change the setting →
FAQ
Is Howard water hard or soft?
It is hard: 154 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9 gpg, 8.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Howard safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
How many grains per gallon is Howard water?
9 gpg, equal to 8.6 °dH, 15.4 °fH or 154 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Howard?
For 154 mg/L (8.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Howard?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Howard Waterworks) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Howard Waterworks) · Outdated figure? Tell us