Water hardness in Mobile
2.6 gpg soft
Tap water in Mobile is soft: 2.6 gpg (44 mg/L · 2.5 °dH · 4.4 °fH).
Source: MAWSS 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 38–50 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| citywide | 2.6 | 44 | soft |
| citywide system | 2.6 | 44 | soft |
Mobile Area Water and Sewer System gets all its drinking water from Big Creek Lake (Converse Reservoir), fed by springs, streams and rain on a watershed entirely within Mobile County. Coastal-plain surface water carries few minerals, so hardness is a low 44 mg/L CaCO₃, with 2 supply zones from 38.3 to 49.6 mg/L. Scale is rarely an issue.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2.6 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) |
How Mobile compares
- Tap water in Mobile is 72 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1239 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 10 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Alabama it is number 11 of 17 cities; the regional median is 4.6 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Fairhope, 25 km away (0.4 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 Mobile
| 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 Mobile water hard or soft?
It is soft: 44 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.6 gpg, 2.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Mobile 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 Mobile water?
2.6 gpg, equal to 2.5 °dH, 4.4 °fH or 44 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Mobile?
For 44 mg/L (2.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Mobile?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: MAWSS 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. MAWSS 2025 Consumer Confidence Report · Outdated figure? Tell us