Water hardness in Lexington (Kentucky)
9.4 gpg hard
Tap water in Lexington (Kentucky) is hard: 9.4 gpg (161 mg/L · 9 °dH · 16.1 °fH).
Source: Kentucky American Water, water quality report (Central and Northern) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 60–340 mg/L.
Lexington's water is supplied by Kentucky American Water and comes from the Kentucky River, treated at the Richmond Road station. The river runs through limestone country in central Kentucky, which explains the hard 161 mg/L CaCO₃ and the spread of 60–340 mg/L. Scale builds up in kettles and water heaters.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9.4 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Kentucky American Water |
How Lexington (Kentucky) compares
- Tap water in Lexington (Kentucky) is close to the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 657 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 52 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Kentucky it is number 2 of 9 cities; the regional median is 7.8 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Louisville, 116 km away (7.5 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 Lexington
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °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 Lexington (Kentucky) water hard or soft?
It is hard: 161 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.4 gpg, 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 Lexington (Kentucky) 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 Lexington (Kentucky) water?
9.4 gpg, equal to 9 °dH, 16.1 °fH or 161 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Lexington (Kentucky)?
For 161 mg/L (9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Lexington (Kentucky)?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Kentucky American Water, water quality report (Central and Northern) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Kentucky American Water, water quality report (Central and Northern) · Outdated figure? Tell us