Water hardness in Newark
3.2 gpg soft
Tap water in Newark is soft: 3.2 gpg (55 mg/L · 3.1 °dH · 5.5 °fH).
Source: Delaware Drinking Water Watch, chemical sample results, system DE0000630 (2025-08) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 41–74 mg/L.
The Newark figure comes from Delaware's Drinking Water Watch portal for the Newark Water Department. It rests on 4 samples from 2024 and 2025: a median of 55.4 mg/L as CaCO3 (3.2 gpg), with a range of 41.3 to 73.6 mg/L. This is soft water. Scale is minor, and a softener adds little for hardness.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.2 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Newark Water Department |
How Newark compares
- Tap water in Newark is 64 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1198 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 13 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Delaware it is number 3 of 3 cities; the regional median is 3.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Vineland, 69 km away (1.7 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Penns Grove, 25 km away (6.7 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 Newark
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °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 Newark water hard or soft?
It is soft: 55 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.2 gpg, 3.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Newark 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 Newark water?
3.2 gpg, equal to 3.1 °dH, 5.5 °fH or 55 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Newark?
For 55 mg/L (3.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Newark?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Delaware Drinking Water Watch, chemical sample results, system DE0000630 (2025-08). Method: own measurement. Delaware Drinking Water Watch, chemical sample results, system DE0000630 · Outdated figure? Tell us