Water hardness in Philadelphia
8.9 gpg hard
Tap water in Philadelphia is hard: 8.9 gpg (152 mg/L · 8.5 °dH · 15.2 °fH).
Source: Philadelphia Water Department 2024 Water Quality Report (2024) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 81–220 mg/L.
3 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Baxter WTP service area | 5.7 | 98 | moderately hard |
| Belmont WTP service area | 8.9 | 152 | hard |
| Queen Lane WTP service area | 9.8 | 168 | hard |
The Philadelphia Water Department runs three treatment plants, and the 2024 report gives each its own average. Baxter is the softest at 98 mg/L, Belmont is 152 mg/L and Queen Lane is 168 mg/L. The page shows the median of 152 mg/L (8.9 gpg) within an annual range of 81 to 220 mg/L. Which plant serves your block changes how much scale you see.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.9 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) |
How Philadelphia compares
- Tap water in Philadelphia is close to the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 701 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 49 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Pennsylvania it is number 4 of 23 cities; the regional median is 5.3 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Camden, 5 km away (5.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Frenchtown, 65 km away (11.2 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 Philadelphia
| 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 Philadelphia water hard or soft?
It is hard: 152 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.9 gpg, 8.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia water?
8.9 gpg, equal to 8.5 °dH, 15.2 °fH or 152 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Philadelphia?
For 152 mg/L (8.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Philadelphia?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Philadelphia Water Department 2024 Water Quality Report (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Philadelphia Water Department 2024 Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us