Water hardness in Lacey
4.4 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Lacey is moderately hard: 4.4 gpg (76 mg/L · 4.3 °dH · 7.6 °fH).
Source: City of Lacey 2025 Water Quality Report, p5 unregulated table (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 32–120 mg/L.
The City of Lacey's 2025 water quality report lists hardness in its unregulated-contaminants table, from 32 to 120 mg/L (1.9 to 7.0 gpg). We show 76 mg/L, computed from that data, which is moderate. The range is wide, so use the figure as a guide rather than an exact value for your home. Scale builds up slowly, and many households do not need a softener.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.4 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Lacey water utility |
How Lacey compares
- Tap water in Lacey is 51 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1123 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 18 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Washington it is number 10 of 27 cities; the regional median is 2.8 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Olympia, 6 km away (3.4 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Lacey
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Lacey water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 76 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.4 gpg, 4.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Lacey 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 Lacey water?
4.4 gpg, equal to 4.3 °dH, 7.6 °fH or 76 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Lacey?
For 76 mg/L (4.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Lacey?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: City of Lacey 2025 Water Quality Report, p5 unregulated table (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. City of Lacey 2025 Water Quality Report, p5 unregulated table · Outdated figure? Tell us