Water hardness in Lee’s Summit
7.2 gpg hard
Tap water in Lee’s Summit is hard: 7.2 gpg (123 mg/L · 6.9 °dH · 12.3 °fH).
Source: Lee's Summit Water Utilities 2026 Water Quality Report (2025 data), Optional Monitoring table (2024) · data checked 2026-10-23
Lee's Summit buys treated water from Kansas City, whose source is the Missouri River, and from Independence, which pumps wells near the river. Both supplies draw on the Missouri River valley, giving hard water at 123 mg/L CaCO₃. Expect scale in kettles and on glass.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.2 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Lee's Summit Water Utilities (PWSID MO1010459; buys from Independence Water and Kansas City Water) |
How Lee’s Summit compares
- Tap water in Lee’s Summit is 21 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 875 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 36 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Missouri it is number 27 of 32 cities; the regional median is 10.3 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Kansas City, 31 km away (16.4 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 Lee’s Summit
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Lee’s Summit water hard or soft?
It is hard: 123 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.2 gpg, 6.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Lee’s Summit 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 Lee’s Summit water?
7.2 gpg, equal to 6.9 °dH, 12.3 °fH or 123 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Lee’s Summit?
For 123 mg/L (6.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Lee’s Summit?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Lee's Summit Water Utilities 2026 Water Quality Report (2025 data), Optional Monitoring table (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Lee's Summit Water Utilities 2026 Water Quality Report (2025 data), Optional Monitoring table · Outdated figure? Tell us