Water hardness in Poquoson
5.3 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Poquoson is moderately hard: 5.3 gpg (91 mg/L · 5.1 °dH · 9.1 °fH).
Source: Newport News Waterworks Annual Water Quality Report (lower Peninsula, serves Poquoson) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 61–120 mg/L.
Poquoson is supplied by Newport News Waterworks, whose annual report covers the lower Peninsula. The 2024 report gives a computed median of 90.5 mg/L as CaCO₃, with a range of 61 to 120 mg/L. That is moderately hard water, and the figure describes the wider system rather than Poquoson alone.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5.3 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Newport News Waterworks |
How Poquoson compares
- Tap water in Poquoson is 42 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1060 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 23 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Virginia it is number 6 of 19 cities; the regional median is 3.6 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 Poquoson
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °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 Poquoson water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 91 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.3 gpg, 5.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Poquoson 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 Poquoson water?
5.3 gpg, equal to 5.1 °dH, 9.1 °fH or 91 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Poquoson?
For 91 mg/L (5.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Poquoson?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Newport News Waterworks Annual Water Quality Report (lower Peninsula, serves Poquoson) (2024). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Newport News Waterworks Annual Water Quality Report (lower Peninsula, serves Poquoson) · Outdated figure? Tell us