Water hardness in Palmdale
7 gpg hard
Tap water in Palmdale is hard: 7 gpg (120 mg/L · 6.7 °dH · 12 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1910102 (2026-04) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 44–188 mg/L.
The Palmdale figure comes from State Water Resources Control Board lab results for Palmdale Water District. The median of 47 results from 2021 to 2026 is 120 mg/L as CaCO3 (7.0 gpg), but results run from 43.6 to 188 mg/L, so the water varies a lot by sampling point and time. It sits at the edge between moderately hard and hard. A scale inhibitor is a low-cost option for the water heater.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Palmdale Water Dist. |
How Palmdale compares
- Tap water in Palmdale is 23 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 884 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 34 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 228 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: East Pasadena, 50 km away (5.2 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Santa Clarita, 41 km away (19.6 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 Palmdale
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Palmdale water hard or soft?
It is hard: 120 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7 gpg, 6.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Palmdale 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 Palmdale water?
7 gpg, equal to 6.7 °dH, 12 °fH or 120 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Palmdale?
For 120 mg/L (6.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Palmdale?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1910102 (2026-04). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1910102 · Outdated figure? Tell us