Water hardness in Oregon
17.7 gpg very hard
Tap water in Oregon is very hard: 17.7 gpg (304 mg/L · 17 °dH · 30.4 °fH).
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Oregon Waterworks) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 281–325 mg/L.
Oregon Waterworks pumps groundwater from Dane County wells in the deep sandstone aquifer. Dane County groundwater is typically very hard, and the village measures 303.5 mg/L CaCO₃ (281–325 mg/L). Heavy scale on heaters and glass.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 17.7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Oregon Waterworks |
How Oregon compares
- Tap water in Oregon is 96 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 244 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 82 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Wisconsin it is number 145 of 448 cities; the regional median is 14.3 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Cambridge, 31 km away (4.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: McFarland, 14 km away (23.7 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 Oregon
| 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 Oregon water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 304 mg/L as CaCO₃ (17.7 gpg, 17 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Oregon 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 Oregon water?
17.7 gpg, equal to 17 °dH, 30.4 °fH or 304 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Oregon?
For 304 mg/L (17 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Oregon?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Oregon Waterworks) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Oregon Waterworks) · Outdated figure? Tell us