Water hardness in Orange
18 gpg very hard
Tap water in Orange is very hard: 18 gpg (308 mg/L · 17.2 °dH · 30.8 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA3010027 (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 143–352 mg/L.
The Orange figure comes from State Water Resources Control Board lab results for the City of Orange system. The median of 26 results from 2021 to 2026 is 307.5 mg/L as CaCO3 (18.0 gpg), but results run from 143 to 351.5 mg/L, so the tap varies by sampling point. The points are listed as wells. This is very hard water on median, and a softener is worth considering.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 18 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City Of Orange |
How Orange compares
- Tap water in Orange is 98 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 237 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 83 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 43 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Santa Ana, 6 km away (13.5 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Torrance, 46 km away (26.8 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Orange
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 17 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Orange water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 308 mg/L as CaCO₃ (18 gpg, 17.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Orange 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 Orange water?
18 gpg, equal to 17.2 °dH, 30.8 °fH or 308 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Orange?
For 308 mg/L (17.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Orange?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA3010027 (2026-06). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA3010027 · Outdated figure? Tell us