Water hardness in Norristown
8.7 gpg hard
Tap water in Norristown is hard: 8.7 gpg (149 mg/L · 8.3 °dH · 14.9 °fH).
Source: Pennsylvania American Water, water quality report (Norristown) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 60–254 mg/L.
Norristown lies in the Schuylkill River valley of southeastern Pennsylvania, where limestone and dolomite valleys add carbonate to local water. Pennsylvania American Water reports 149 mg/L CaCO₃ with a wide range of 60–254 mg/L. Hard water in many areas, with scale on glass and heaters.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Pennsylvania American Water |
How Norristown compares
- Tap water in Norristown is close to the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 718 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 47 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Pennsylvania it is number 6 of 23 cities; the regional median is 5.3 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Camden, 29 km away (5.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Frenchtown, 52 km away (11.2 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 Norristown
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| 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 Norristown water hard or soft?
It is hard: 149 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.7 gpg, 8.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Norristown 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 Norristown water?
8.7 gpg, equal to 8.3 °dH, 14.9 °fH or 149 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Norristown?
For 149 mg/L (8.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Norristown?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Pennsylvania American Water, water quality report (Norristown) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Pennsylvania American Water, water quality report (Norristown) · Outdated figure? Tell us