Water hardness in Passaic
6.4 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Passaic is moderately hard: 6.4 gpg (110 mg/L · 6.2 °dH · 11 °fH).
Source: PVWC 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (2024 data) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 66–154 mg/L.
Passaic is served by the Passaic Valley Water Commission, whose 2025 report gives a computed median of 110 mg/L across a range of 66 to 154 mg/L. The spread reflects changes in the blend of sources over the year, so the figure at your tap can sit above or below the median. Moderate hardness means some scale on heating elements over time, which regular descaling handles.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.4 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) main system |
How Passaic compares
- Tap water in Passaic is 29 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 954 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 29 % of these cities have softer water.
- In New Jersey it is number 17 of 34 cities; the regional median is 6.4 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Hoboken, 15 km away (4.7 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Little Falls, 7 km away (14.1 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Passaic
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 6 °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 Passaic water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 110 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.4 gpg, 6.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Passaic 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 Passaic water?
6.4 gpg, equal to 6.2 °dH, 11 °fH or 110 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Passaic?
For 110 mg/L (6.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Passaic?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: PVWC 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (2024 data) (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. PVWC 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (2024 data) · Outdated figure? Tell us