Water hardness in Morgan Hill
14.7 gpg very hard
Tap water in Morgan Hill is very hard: 14.7 gpg (252 mg/L · 14.1 °dH · 25.2 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA4310006 (2026-02) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 201–297 mg/L.
The Morgan Hill figure comes from State Water Resources Control Board lab results for the City of Morgan Hill system. The median of 33 results from 2021 to 2026, taken at 16 well points, is 252 mg/L as CaCO3 (14.7 gpg), with a range of 201.2 to 297 mg/L. This is very hard water. Scale builds quickly, and a softener is worth considering.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 14.7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City Of Morgan Hill |
How Morgan Hill compares
- Tap water in Morgan Hill is 63 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 369 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 73 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 72 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: San Jose, 31 km away (8.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Cupertino, 41 km away (19.9 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Morgan Hill
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 14 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Morgan Hill water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 252 mg/L as CaCO₃ (14.7 gpg, 14.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Morgan Hill 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 Morgan Hill water?
14.7 gpg, equal to 14.1 °dH, 25.2 °fH or 252 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Morgan Hill?
For 252 mg/L (14.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Morgan Hill?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA4310006 (2026-02). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA4310006 · Outdated figure? Tell us