Water hardness in Norfolk
2.9 gpg soft
Tap water in Norfolk is soft: 2.9 gpg (49 mg/L · 2.7 °dH · 4.9 °fH).
Source: City of Norfolk Moores Bridges plant water quality analysis (Feb 2025) (2025-02) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 36–62 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Kristen M. Lentz plant | 2.1 | 36 | soft |
| Moores Bridges plant | 3.6 | 62 | moderately hard |
The page rests on one lab analysis of Moores Bridges plant water from February 2025, which calculates hardness at 3.6 gpg, or 61.6 mg/L. A single sample is not an annual average, so treat the figure as a snapshot. Norfolk's other plant, Kristen M. Lentz, is not included, and the city's own report describes the water only as soft to slightly hard.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2.9 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Norfolk Department of Utilities |
How Norfolk compares
- Tap water in Norfolk is 69 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1226 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 11 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Virginia it is number 14 of 19 cities; the regional median is 3.6 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Portsmouth, 2 km away (1.5 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Hampton, 21 km away (4 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 Norfolk
| 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 Norfolk water hard or soft?
It is soft: 49 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.9 gpg, 2.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Norfolk 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 Norfolk water?
2.9 gpg, equal to 2.7 °dH, 4.9 °fH or 49 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Norfolk?
For 49 mg/L (2.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Norfolk?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: City of Norfolk Moores Bridges plant water quality analysis (Feb 2025) (2025-02). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. City of Norfolk Moores Bridges plant water quality analysis (Feb 2025) · Outdated figure? Tell us