Water hardness in Mitchell
8.5 gpg hard
Tap water in Mitchell is hard: 8.5 gpg (146 mg/L · 8.2 °dH · 14.6 °fH).
Source: City of Mitchell 2024 Drinking Water Report (2024) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 111–180 mg/L.
The City of Mitchell, South Dakota, buys water from Bon Homme-Yankton Rural Water. Its 2024 report gives a computed hardness of 145.5 mg/L, ranging from 111.3 to 179.8 mg/L. That is hard water, and it can vary through the year. A softener is common in homes with hard water like this.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.5 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Mitchell (water purchased from Bon Homme-Yankton Rural Water) |
How Mitchell compares
- Tap water in Mitchell is 6 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 738 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 46 % of these cities have softer water.
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 Mitchell
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| 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 Mitchell water hard or soft?
It is hard: 146 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.5 gpg, 8.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Mitchell 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 Mitchell water?
8.5 gpg, equal to 8.2 °dH, 14.6 °fH or 146 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Mitchell?
For 146 mg/L (8.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Mitchell?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: City of Mitchell 2024 Drinking Water Report (2024). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. City of Mitchell 2024 Drinking Water Report · Outdated figure? Tell us