Water hardness in Irondale
13.4 gpg very hard
Tap water in Irondale is very hard: 13.4 gpg (230 mg/L · 12.9 °dH · 23 °fH).
Source: City of Irondale Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2020 (2020) · data checked 2026-10-29
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
The City of Irondale Water Works reports 230 mg/L in its 2020 annual drinking water quality report, in the very hard band. The report is several years old, so current values may differ. Scale on fixtures and heaters is likely at this level.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 13.4 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Irondale Water Works |
How Irondale compares
- Tap water in Irondale is 48 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 425 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 68 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Alabama it is number 1 of 17 cities; the regional median is 4.6 gpg.
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Irondale
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 13 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Irondale water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 230 mg/L as CaCO₃ (13.4 gpg, 12.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Irondale 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 Irondale water?
13.4 gpg, equal to 12.9 °dH, 23 °fH or 230 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Irondale?
For 230 mg/L (12.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Irondale?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: City of Irondale Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2020 (2020). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Irondale Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2020 · Outdated figure? Tell us