Water hardness in Niagara Falls
7.2 gpg hard
Tap water in Niagara Falls is hard: 7.2 gpg (123 mg/L · 6.9 °dH · 12.3 °fH).
Source: Niagara Falls Water Board Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2024 (2024) · data checked 2026-11-02
The Niagara Falls Water Board's 2024 annual report supports a computed hardness of 123.3 mg/L, which is in the hard band. The figure is a single value with no zone breakdown. Expect some limescale on kettles and showerheads.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.2 gpg |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 34.9 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 8.77 |
| Utility | Niagara Falls Water Board |
How Niagara Falls compares
- Tap water in Niagara Falls is 20 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 874 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 36 % of these cities have softer water.
- In New York it is number 6 of 16 cities; the regional median is 5.2 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 Niagara Falls
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Niagara Falls water hard or soft?
It is hard: 123 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.2 gpg, 6.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls water?
7.2 gpg, equal to 6.9 °dH, 12.3 °fH or 123 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Niagara Falls?
For 123 mg/L (6.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Niagara Falls?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Niagara Falls Water Board Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2024 (2024). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Niagara Falls Water Board Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2024 · Outdated figure? Tell us