Water hardness in Memphis
2.8 gpg soft
Tap water in Memphis is soft: 2.8 gpg (48 mg/L · 2.7 °dH · 4.8 °fH).
Source: MLGW 2025 Water Quality Report (English) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 14–150 mg/L.
MLGW supplies Memphis from the Memphis Sand aquifer, a groundwater source. Its 2025 report gives an average of 48 mg/L (2.8 gpg) with a range of 14 to 150 mg/L. Water is soft on average, but individual samples can reach the hard band. Scale is usually light.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2.8 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW) |
How Memphis compares
- Tap water in Memphis is 69 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1228 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 10 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Tennessee it is number 7 of 9 cities; the regional median is 3.8 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 Memphis
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °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 Memphis water hard or soft?
It is soft: 48 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.8 gpg, 2.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Memphis 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 Memphis water?
2.8 gpg, equal to 2.7 °dH, 4.8 °fH or 48 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Memphis?
For 48 mg/L (2.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Memphis?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: MLGW 2025 Water Quality Report (English) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. MLGW 2025 Water Quality Report (English) · Outdated figure? Tell us