Water hardness in Medford (Oregon)
1.9 gpg soft
Tap water in Medford (Oregon) is soft: 1.9 gpg (32 mg/L · 1.8 °dH · 3.2 °fH).
Source: Medford Water Commission Water Quality Analyses 2025 (issued 2026) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 27–38 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Butte Springs (groundwater source) | 2.2 | 38 | soft |
| Duff WTP (Rogue River surface source) | 1.5 | 27 | soft |
Medford Water Commission's 2025 analyses list two sources: Big Butte Springs at 37.7 mg/L (2.2 gpg) and the Duff water treatment plant at 26.5 mg/L (1.5 gpg). The page shows the median of 32.1 mg/L (1.9 gpg). That is soft water, so scale is minor and a softener adds little for hardness.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 1.9 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Medford Water Commission |
How Medford (Oregon) compares
- Tap water in Medford (Oregon) is 79 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1271 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 7 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Oregon it is number 10 of 13 cities; the regional median is 2.1 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Crescent City, 126 km away (3.4 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 Medford
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 2 °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 Medford (Oregon) water hard or soft?
It is soft: 32 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1.9 gpg, 1.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Medford (Oregon) 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 Medford (Oregon) water?
1.9 gpg, equal to 1.8 °dH, 3.2 °fH or 32 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Medford (Oregon)?
For 32 mg/L (1.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Medford (Oregon)?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Medford Water Commission Water Quality Analyses 2025 (issued 2026) (2025). Method: own measurement. Medford Water Commission Water Quality Analyses 2025 (issued 2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us