Water hardness in Parkway
9.7 gpg hard
Tap water in Parkway is hard: 9.7 gpg (166 mg/L · 9.3 °dH · 16.6 °fH).
Source: California American Water, water quality report (Parkway) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 34–310 mg/L.
California American Water serves Parkway almost entirely from deep wells in the Sacramento Valley, occasionally adding river water from the City of Sacramento. Groundwater and river water differ widely, so the range is 34–310 mg/L around 166 mg/L CaCO₃. Hardness depends on the blend serving your street.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9.7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | California American Water |
How Parkway compares
- Tap water in Parkway is 7 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 641 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 53 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 159 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Sacramento, 10 km away (2.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Davis, 25 km away (26.3 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 Parkway
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| 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 Parkway water hard or soft?
It is hard: 166 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.7 gpg, 9.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Parkway 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 Parkway water?
9.7 gpg, equal to 9.3 °dH, 16.6 °fH or 166 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Parkway?
For 166 mg/L (9.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Parkway?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: California American Water, water quality report (Parkway) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. California American Water, water quality report (Parkway) · Outdated figure? Tell us