Water hardness in Opelousas
5.3 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Opelousas is moderately hard: 5.3 gpg (92 mg/L · 5.1 °dH · 9.2 °fH).
Source: City of Opelousas 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (2025) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 31–152 mg/L.
Opelousas, Louisiana, is served by the City of Opelousas Water System. The median of 91.5 mg/L as CaCO₃ is computed from the 2025 Consumer Confidence Report, and values range from 31.4 to 151.6 mg/L. That is a wide spread, so hardness at your tap may be soft or hard on a given day.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5.3 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Opelousas Water System |
How Opelousas compares
- Tap water in Opelousas is 41 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1059 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 23 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Louisiana it is number 3 of 8 cities; the regional median is 4.7 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 Opelousas
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Opelousas water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 92 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.3 gpg, 5.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Opelousas 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 Opelousas water?
5.3 gpg, equal to 5.1 °dH, 9.2 °fH or 92 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Opelousas?
For 92 mg/L (5.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Opelousas?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: City of Opelousas 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. City of Opelousas 2025 Consumer Confidence Report · Outdated figure? Tell us