Water hardness in Pacifica
3.6 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Pacifica is moderately hard: 3.6 gpg (62 mg/L · 3.5 °dH · 6.2 °fH).
Source: NCCWD 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (2025) · data checked 2026-11-02
Range across supply zones: 8–112 mg/L.
North Coast County Water District reports a median of 62 mg/L as CaCO3 for 2025, within a range of 8.1 to 112 mg/L. The low end suggests that some of the supply is very soft, and the district's report does not break the range down by neighborhood. At these levels most households see little scale, but readings can shift over the year.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.6 gpg |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 16 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 5.9 |
| Utility | North Coast County Water District |
How Pacifica compares
- Tap water in Pacifica is 60 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1169 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 14 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 287 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 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 Pacifica
| 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 Pacifica water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 62 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.6 gpg, 3.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Pacifica 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 Pacifica water?
3.6 gpg, equal to 3.5 °dH, 6.2 °fH or 62 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Pacifica?
For 62 mg/L (3.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Pacifica?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: NCCWD 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. NCCWD 2025 Consumer Confidence Report · Outdated figure? Tell us