Water hardness in Palm Springs
13.4 gpg very hard
Tap water in Palm Springs is very hard: 13.4 gpg (230 mg/L · 12.9 °dH · 23 °fH).
Source: Desert Water Agency Water Quality Report 2021-22 (2021) · data checked 2026-11-02
Range across supply zones: 86–330 mg/L.
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Desert Water Agency's 2021-22 report gives a median hardness of 230 mg/L in Palm Springs, with values from 86 to 330 mg/L. Most of that range is hard to very hard. The report is a few years old, so check the agency's latest figures before buying equipment.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 13.4 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Desert Water Agency |
How Palm Springs compares
- Tap water in Palm Springs is 48 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 425 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 68 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 89 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
- 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 Palm Springs
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 13 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Palm Springs water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 230 mg/L as CaCO₃ (13.4 gpg, 12.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs water?
13.4 gpg, equal to 12.9 °dH, 23 °fH or 230 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Palm Springs?
For 230 mg/L (12.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Palm Springs?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Desert Water Agency Water Quality Report 2021-22 (2021). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Desert Water Agency Water Quality Report 2021-22 · Outdated figure? Tell us