Water hardness in Paradise Valley
12 gpg very hard
Tap water in Paradise Valley is very hard: 12 gpg (205 mg/L · 11.5 °dH · 20.5 °fH).
Source: EPCOR 2025 Water Quality Report Paradise Valley (PWS AZ0407056) (2022) · data checked 2026-10-29
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Paradise Valley is served by EPCOR Water Arizona's Paradise Valley system. EPCOR's water quality report for the system gives a hardness of 205.4 mg/L as CaCO₃. That is very hard by USGS classes, so expect visible scale on fixtures and glassware.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 12 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | EPCOR Water Arizona, Paradise Valley system |
How Paradise Valley compares
- Tap water in Paradise Valley is 32 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 511 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 63 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Arizona it is number 9 of 12 cities; the regional median is 13 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 Paradise Valley
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 12 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| 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 Paradise Valley water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 205 mg/L as CaCO₃ (12 gpg, 11.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Paradise Valley 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 Paradise Valley water?
12 gpg, equal to 11.5 °dH, 20.5 °fH or 205 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Paradise Valley?
For 205 mg/L (11.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Paradise Valley?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: EPCOR 2025 Water Quality Report Paradise Valley (PWS AZ0407056) (2022). Method: figure published by the water supplier. EPCOR 2025 Water Quality Report Paradise Valley (PWS AZ0407056) · Outdated figure? Tell us