Water hardness in Palatine
8 gpg hard
Tap water in Palatine is hard: 8 gpg (137 mg/L · 7.7 °dH · 13.7 °fH).
Source: Village of Palatine 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (attribute Village of Palatine) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 120–149 mg/L.
Palatine's 2024 consumer confidence report carries the table for treated Lake Michigan water supplied through Evanston. Hardness averages 137 mg/L (8.0 gpg) and ranges from 120 to 149 mg/L, which is hard. We infer from the village report that this table applies to Palatine. Scale is noticeable at this level, though most households manage with a softener or descaling.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8 gpg |
|---|
How Palatine compares
- Tap water in Palatine is 12 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 791 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 42 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Illinois it is number 6 of 14 cities; the regional median is 8 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Bloomfield, 54 km away (1 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Bristol, 46 km away (14 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 Palatine
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Palatine water hard or soft?
It is hard: 137 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8 gpg, 7.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Palatine 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 Palatine water?
8 gpg, equal to 7.7 °dH, 13.7 °fH or 137 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Palatine?
For 137 mg/L (7.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Palatine?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Village of Palatine 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (attribute Village of Palatine) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Village of Palatine 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (attribute Village of Palatine) · Outdated figure? Tell us