Water hardness in New York
1.9 gpg soft
Tap water in New York is soft: 1.9 gpg (32 mg/L · 1.8 °dH · 3.2 °fH).
Source: NYC DEP 2025 Drinking Water Supply and Quality Report (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 18–100 mg/L.
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection reports a citywide average of 32 mg/L (1.9 gpg) from 313 samples in its 2025 supply report. Individual samples ran from 18 to 100 mg/L, so water is soft overall and occasionally moderate. Scale is rarely a problem here, and a softener adds little.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 1.9 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) |
How New York compares
- Tap water in New York is 79 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1272 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 7 % of these cities have softer water.
- In New York it is number 12 of 16 cities; the regional median is 5.2 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Jersey City, 3 km away (4.8 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 New York
| 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 New York water hard or soft?
It is soft: 32 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1.9 gpg, 1.8 °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 York 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 York water?
1.9 gpg, equal to 1.8 °dH, 3.2 °fH or 32 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in New York?
For 32 mg/L (1.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in New York?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: NYC DEP 2025 Drinking Water Supply and Quality Report (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. NYC DEP 2025 Drinking Water Supply and Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us