Water hardness in Newport News
3.9 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Newport News is moderately hard: 3.9 gpg (67 mg/L · 3.7 °dH · 6.7 °fH).
Source: Newport News Waterworks 2025 Water Quality Report (Lower Peninsula) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 52–77 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightfoot Well System | 3.7 | 64 | moderately hard |
| Lower Peninsula System (surface water) | 4 | 69 | moderately hard |
Newport News Waterworks runs two systems. Lower Peninsula surface water averages 69 mg/L (range 63 to 75) and the Lightfoot well system 64 mg/L (range 52 to 77) in the 2025 report. The page shows 66.5 mg/L (3.9 gpg), the median of the two. The water is moderately hard, and scale is mild.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.9 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Newport News Waterworks |
How Newport News compares
- Tap water in Newport News is 57 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1158 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 16 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Virginia it is number 9 of 19 cities; the regional median is 3.6 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Norfolk, 31 km away (2.9 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Waverly, 56 km away (10.1 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 Newport News
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °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 Newport News water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 67 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.9 gpg, 3.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Newport News 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 Newport News water?
3.9 gpg, equal to 3.7 °dH, 6.7 °fH or 67 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Newport News?
For 67 mg/L (3.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Newport News?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Newport News Waterworks 2025 Water Quality Report (Lower Peninsula) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Newport News Waterworks 2025 Water Quality Report (Lower Peninsula) · Outdated figure? Tell us