Water hardness in Milwaukee
7.6 gpg hard
Tap water in Milwaukee is hard: 7.6 gpg (130 mg/L · 7.3 °dH · 13 °fH).
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Milwaukee Waterworks) (2020) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 130–140 mg/L.
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Milwaukee Water Works treats Lake Michigan water at two plants, Linnwood on the north side and Howard Avenue on the south, using ozone as the main disinfectant. The lake water is hard at 130 mg/L CaCO₃, with 130–140 mg/L reported. Scale shows up on kettles, shower glass and heating elements. The figure dates from 2020 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 | 7.6 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Milwaukee Waterworks |
How Milwaukee compares
- Tap water in Milwaukee is 16 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 826 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 39 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Wisconsin it is number 360 of 448 cities; the regional median is 14.3 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Union Grove, 42 km away (5.2 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Brookfield, 12 km away (22.5 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 Milwaukee
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Milwaukee water hard or soft?
It is hard: 130 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.6 gpg, 7.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee water?
7.6 gpg, equal to 7.3 °dH, 13 °fH or 130 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Milwaukee?
For 130 mg/L (7.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Milwaukee?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Milwaukee Waterworks) (2020). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Milwaukee Waterworks) · Outdated figure? Tell us