Water hardness in Lakewood (New Jersey)
2.5 gpg soft
Tap water in Lakewood (New Jersey) is soft: 2.5 gpg (42 mg/L · 2.4 °dH · 4.2 °fH).
Source: Lakewood MUA 2026 Water Quality Report (2025 data), purchased-water table NJAW Coastal North (2025) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 4–81 mg/L.
Lakewood sits on the New Jersey Coastal Plain, where groundwater in sandy aquifers such as the Kirkwood-Cohansey is typically soft and low in minerals. The figure of 42.1 mg/L CaCO₃ falls between wells and sampling points that range from 3.8 to 80.5 mg/L. Scale is limited, and a softener is rarely needed.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2.5 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Lakewood Township Municipal Utilities Authority (Lakewood MUA) |
How Lakewood (New Jersey) compares
- Tap water in Lakewood (New Jersey) is 73 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1241 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 10 % of these cities have softer water.
- In New Jersey it is number 32 of 34 cities; the regional median is 6.4 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: New York, 71 km away (1.9 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: New Egypt, 27 km away (6.1 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Lakewood
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 2 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Lakewood (New Jersey) water hard or soft?
It is soft: 42 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.5 gpg, 2.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Lakewood (New Jersey) 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 Lakewood (New Jersey) water?
2.5 gpg, equal to 2.4 °dH, 4.2 °fH or 42 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Lakewood (New Jersey)?
For 42 mg/L (2.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Lakewood (New Jersey)?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Lakewood MUA 2026 Water Quality Report (2025 data), purchased-water table NJAW Coastal North (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Lakewood MUA 2026 Water Quality Report (2025 data), purchased-water table NJAW Coastal North · Outdated figure? Tell us