Water hardness in Lake Charles
4.7 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Lake Charles is moderately hard: 4.7 gpg (80 mg/L · 4.5 °dH · 8 °fH).
Source: City of Lake Charles 2024 Annual Consumer Confidence Water Quality Report (2021) · data checked 2026-10-20
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
The City of Lake Charles' 2024 consumer confidence report lists treated water hardness of 79.9 mg/L (4.7 gpg), taken from a single sample in May 2021. That makes the figure stale, and one sample is a snapshot, not an average. The water is moderately hard, and scale is mild. A newer sample may differ.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Lake Charles Water Division |
How Lake Charles compares
- Tap water in Lake Charles is 48 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1110 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 19 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Louisiana it is number 5 of 8 cities; the regional median is 4.7 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 Lake Charles
| 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 Lake Charles water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 80 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.7 gpg, 4.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles water?
4.7 gpg, equal to 4.5 °dH, 8 °fH or 80 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Lake Charles?
For 80 mg/L (4.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Lake Charles?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: City of Lake Charles 2024 Annual Consumer Confidence Water Quality Report (2021). Method: older figure, source currently unavailable. City of Lake Charles 2024 Annual Consumer Confidence Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us