Water hardness in Pelham
8.1 gpg hard
Tap water in Pelham is hard: 8.1 gpg (140 mg/L · 7.8 °dH · 13.9 °fH).
Source: Pelham Water Works 2025 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report (2024 data, PWSID AL0001163) (2024) · data checked 2026-11-02
Range across supply zones: 75–204 mg/L.
Pelham Water Works' 2025 report (PWSID AL0001163), using 2024 data, gives a computed hardness of 139.5 mg/L as CaCO3, with a range of 75 to 204 mg/L. That is hard on average, with a wide spread. Expect some scale, and check your own tap.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.1 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Pelham Water Works |
How Pelham compares
- Tap water in Pelham is 10 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 781 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 43 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Alabama it is number 3 of 17 cities; the regional median is 4.6 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 Pelham
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °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 Pelham water hard or soft?
It is hard: 140 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.1 gpg, 7.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Pelham 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 Pelham water?
8.1 gpg, equal to 7.8 °dH, 13.9 °fH or 140 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Pelham?
For 140 mg/L (7.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Pelham?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Pelham Water Works 2025 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report (2024 data, PWSID AL0001163) (2024). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Pelham Water Works 2025 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report (2024 data, PWSID AL0001163) · Outdated figure? Tell us