Water hardness in Montgomery
2.4 gpg soft
Tap water in Montgomery is soft: 2.4 gpg (41 mg/L · 2.3 °dH · 4.1 °fH).
Source: Montgomery Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Board - 2026 Consumer Confidence Report (2025 data), copy hosted by Maxwell AFB (2026) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 4–115 mg/L.
Montgomery's water comes from a mix of groundwater drawn from the Coastal Plain aquifers beneath the city and surface water, including an intake on the Tallapoosa River. Wells and river water differ a lot, which explains the very wide range of 4–115 mg/L around the median of 41 mg/L CaCO₃. Hardness at your tap depends on where in the system you live.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2.4 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Montgomery Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Board (MWWSSB) |
How Montgomery compares
- Tap water in Montgomery is 74 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1243 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 9 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Alabama it is number 13 of 17 cities; the regional median is 4.6 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Ozark, 119 km away (0.5 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Birmingham, 137 km away (5.7 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 Montgomery
| 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 Montgomery water hard or soft?
It is soft: 41 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.4 gpg, 2.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Montgomery 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 Montgomery water?
2.4 gpg, equal to 2.3 °dH, 4.1 °fH or 41 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Montgomery?
For 41 mg/L (2.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Montgomery?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Montgomery Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Board - 2026 Consumer Confidence Report (2025 data), copy hosted by Maxwell AFB (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Montgomery Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Board - 2026 Consumer Confidence Report (2025 data), copy hosted by Maxwell AFB · Outdated figure? Tell us