Water hardness in Kentwood
8.7 gpg hard
Tap water in Kentwood is hard: 8.7 gpg (149 mg/L · 8.3 °dH · 14.9 °fH).
Source: City of Kentwood 2025 Water Quality Report (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 130–201 mg/L.
The City of Kentwood's 2025 Water Quality Report gives a citywide average hardness of 149 ppm (8.7 gpg), with a range of 130-201 ppm. That is hard water, and scale builds up on water heaters, faucets and glassware. The source file name suggests an edited draft, so the figure will be checked against the final edition on the next refresh.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Kentwood Water / Water Sewer Department |
How Kentwood compares
- Tap water in Kentwood is close to the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 718 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 47 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Michigan it is number 4 of 28 cities; the regional median is 6.2 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Lansing, MI, 90 km away (5.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: South Bend, 142 km away (22 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 Kentwood
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 8 °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 Kentwood water hard or soft?
It is hard: 149 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.7 gpg, 8.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Kentwood 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 Kentwood water?
8.7 gpg, equal to 8.3 °dH, 14.9 °fH or 149 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Kentwood?
For 149 mg/L (8.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Kentwood?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: City of Kentwood 2025 Water Quality Report (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Kentwood 2025 Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us