Water hardness in Phoenix
13.8 gpg very hard
Tap water in Phoenix is very hard: 13.8 gpg (237 mg/L · 13.3 °dH · 23.7 °fH).
Source: City of Phoenix 2025 Water Quality Report (aesthetic analysis, distribution system) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 172–302 mg/L.
The City of Phoenix 2025 water quality report prints a range of 172 to 302 mg/L for total hardness in the distribution system, with no average. The 237 mg/L (13.9 gpg) on this page is the midpoint of that range, so it is computed, not a measured mean. This is very hard water, and scale on water heaters and fixtures is likely.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 13.8 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Phoenix Water Services Department |
How Phoenix compares
- Tap water in Phoenix is 53 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 411 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 70 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Arizona it is number 4 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 Phoenix
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 13 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| 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 Phoenix water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 237 mg/L as CaCO₃ (13.8 gpg, 13.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Phoenix 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 Phoenix water?
13.8 gpg, equal to 13.3 °dH, 23.7 °fH or 237 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Phoenix?
For 237 mg/L (13.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Phoenix?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: City of Phoenix 2025 Water Quality Report (aesthetic analysis, distribution system) (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. City of Phoenix 2025 Water Quality Report (aesthetic analysis, distribution system) · Outdated figure? Tell us