Water hardness in New Orleans
8.1 gpg hard
Tap water in New Orleans is hard: 8.1 gpg (139 mg/L · 7.8 °dH · 13.8 °fH).
Source: Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, 2014 Water Quality Report (2014) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 114–163 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| East Bank (Carrollton WPP) | 9.5 | 163 | hard |
| West Bank (Algiers WPP) | 6.7 | 114 | moderately hard |
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans treats water from the Mississippi River, which carries minerals from a very large drainage basin. The report shows 138.5 mg/L CaCO₃ across 2 treatment zones (114–163 mg/L). That is hard water, with scale on kettles and heating elements. The figure dates from 2014 and may have changed.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.1 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) |
How New Orleans compares
- Tap water in New Orleans is 11 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 785 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 43 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Louisiana it is number 1 of 8 cities; the regional median is 4.7 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Baton Rouge, 121 km away (3 gpg).
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 New Orleans
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| 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 New Orleans water hard or soft?
It is hard: 139 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.1 gpg, 7.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in New Orleans 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 New Orleans water?
8.1 gpg, equal to 7.8 °dH, 13.8 °fH or 139 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in New Orleans?
For 139 mg/L (7.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in New Orleans?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, 2014 Water Quality Report (2014). Method: older figure, source currently unavailable. Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, 2014 Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us