Water hardness in Moreno Valley
5.1 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Moreno Valley is moderately hard: 5.1 gpg (87 mg/L · 4.9 °dH · 8.7 °fH).
Source: Eastern Municipal Water District - 2025 Water Quality Report (2025) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 82–94 mg/L.
Moreno Valley's water is supplied by Eastern Municipal Water District, which buys imported Colorado River and State Water Project water through Metropolitan Water District and adds local groundwater. Imported Colorado River water is naturally higher in dissolved salts, which is why the figure sits at 87.3 mg/L CaCO₃ (82.2–94.2 mg/L). EMWD notes the Colorado River supply can cause some scaling in fixtures.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5.1 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) (city utility MVU is electric only) |
How Moreno Valley compares
- Tap water in Moreno Valley is 44 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1074 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 22 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 262 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Coachella, 104 km away (3.2 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Loma Linda, 11 km away (12.6 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Moreno Valley
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Moreno Valley water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 87 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.1 gpg, 4.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley water?
5.1 gpg, equal to 4.9 °dH, 8.7 °fH or 87 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Moreno Valley?
For 87 mg/L (4.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Moreno Valley?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Eastern Municipal Water District - 2025 Water Quality Report (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Eastern Municipal Water District - 2025 Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us