Water hardness in Lakewood (California)
8.6 gpg hard
Tap water in Lakewood (California) is hard: 8.6 gpg (147 mg/L · 8.2 °dH · 14.7 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1910239 (2026-02) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 87–259 mg/L.
The Lakewood figure comes from State Water Resources Control Board lab results for the city water department. The median of 21 results from 2021 to 2026, taken at 11 well points, is 147 mg/L as CaCO3 (8.6 gpg), with a range of 87.3 to 259 mg/L. That is hard water, and it varies by well. Expect visible scale on kettles and shower screens.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.6 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Lakewood - City, Water Dept. |
How Lakewood (California) compares
- Tap water in Lakewood (California) is 5 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 733 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 47 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 192 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Signal Hill, 7 km away (6.7 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Bellflower, 5 km away (14.2 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 Lakewood
| 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 Lakewood (California) water hard or soft?
It is hard: 147 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.6 gpg, 8.2 °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 (California) 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 (California) water?
8.6 gpg, equal to 8.2 °dH, 14.7 °fH or 147 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Lakewood (California)?
For 147 mg/L (8.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Lakewood (California)?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1910239 (2026-02). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1910239 · Outdated figure? Tell us