Water hardness in Manchester
1 gpg soft
Tap water in Manchester is soft: 1 gpg (18 mg/L · 1 °dH · 1.8 °fH).
Source: Manchester Water Works Water Quality Report, Reporting Year 2022 (PWS NH1471010; copy hosted by Town of Salem NH, a wholesale customer) (2022) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 17–19 mg/L.
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Manchester Water Works has drawn its water from Lake Massabesic in Auburn for well over a century, with the city owning much of the surrounding watershed. Granite-dominated New Hampshire geology releases few minerals, so the water is very soft at 17.9 mg/L CaCO₃ (16.7–18.8 mg/L). A softener is unnecessary. The figure dates from 2022 and may have changed.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 1 gpg |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 5.18 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 1.2 |
| Utility | Manchester Water Works |
How Manchester compares
- Tap water in Manchester is 88 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1337 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 3 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Malden, 71 km away (0.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Haverhill, 38 km away (1.9 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 Manchester
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 1 °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 Manchester water hard or soft?
It is soft: 18 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1 gpg, 1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Manchester 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 Manchester water?
1 gpg, equal to 1 °dH, 1.8 °fH or 18 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Manchester?
For 18 mg/L (1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Manchester?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Manchester Water Works Water Quality Report, Reporting Year 2022 (PWS NH1471010; copy hosted by Town of Salem NH, a wholesale customer) (2022). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Manchester Water Works Water Quality Report, Reporting Year 2022 (PWS NH1471010; copy hosted by Town of Salem NH, a wholesale customer) · Outdated figure? Tell us