Water hardness in Livonia
5.9 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Livonia is moderately hard: 5.9 gpg (101 mg/L · 5.7 °dH · 10.1 °fH).
Source: City of Livonia 2024 Water Quality Report, 2024 Springwells Tap Water Mineral Analysis (p9) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-19
The City of Livonia buys Great Lakes water from the Great Lakes Water Authority. Its 2024 report lists the Springwells plant tap analysis at an average of 101 mg/L (5.9 gpg). The label does not name CaCO3, but the calcium and magnesium rows add up to about the same figure. We treat it as citywide. That is moderately hard water, and scale builds slowly.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5.9 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Livonia Water and Sewer (water purchased from Great Lakes Water Authority) |
How Livonia compares
- Tap water in Livonia is 35 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1012 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 26 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Michigan it is number 22 of 28 cities; the regional median is 6.2 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 Livonia
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 6 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Livonia water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 101 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.9 gpg, 5.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Livonia 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 Livonia water?
5.9 gpg, equal to 5.7 °dH, 10.1 °fH or 101 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Livonia?
For 101 mg/L (5.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Livonia?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: City of Livonia 2024 Water Quality Report, 2024 Springwells Tap Water Mineral Analysis (p9) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Livonia 2024 Water Quality Report, 2024 Springwells Tap Water Mineral Analysis (p9) · Outdated figure? Tell us