Water hardness in Joplin
10.2 gpg hard
Tap water in Joplin is hard: 10.2 gpg (174 mg/L · 9.7 °dH · 17.4 °fH).
Source: Missouri American Water, water quality report (Joplin) (2023) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 137–182 mg/L.
Missouri American Water draws Joplin's water mainly from Shoal Creek and supplements it with deep wells. The Ozark limestone around the creek and wells gives hard water of 174 mg/L CaCO₃ (137–182 mg/L). Scale builds up on kettles and in heaters.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 10.2 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Missouri American Water |
How Joplin compares
- Tap water in Joplin is 12 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 617 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 55 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Missouri it is number 17 of 32 cities; the regional median is 10.3 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Bentonville, 84 km away (4.4 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Saddlebrooke, 119 km away (13.4 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 Joplin
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 10 °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 Joplin water hard or soft?
It is hard: 174 mg/L as CaCO₃ (10.2 gpg, 9.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Joplin 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 Joplin water?
10.2 gpg, equal to 9.7 °dH, 17.4 °fH or 174 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Joplin?
For 174 mg/L (9.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Joplin?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Missouri American Water, water quality report (Joplin) (2023). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Missouri American Water, water quality report (Joplin) · Outdated figure? Tell us