Water hardness in Quincy
1 gpg soft
Tap water in Quincy is soft: 1 gpg (18 mg/L · 1 °dH · 1.8 °fH).
Source: Cambridge Water Department, Commercial Water Hardness Information page (statement on MWRA water) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 15–20 mg/L.
Quincy is supplied by the MWRA with water from the Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs in central Massachusetts, whose watersheds are mostly forest and wetland. The region's crystalline bedrock supplies few minerals, so the water is very soft at 17.5 mg/L CaCO₃ (15–20 mg/L). A softener is unnecessary.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 1 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Quincy (distribution; MWRA wholesale supply from Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs) |
How Quincy compares
- Tap water in Quincy is 89 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1338 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 2 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Massachusetts it is number 9 of 13 cities; the regional median is 1.9 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Boston, 13 km away (0.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Cambridge, 16 km away (4.2 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Quincy
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 1 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Quincy water hard or soft?
It is soft: 18 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1 gpg, 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 Quincy 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 Quincy water?
1 gpg, equal to 1 °dH, 1.8 °fH or 18 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Quincy?
For 18 mg/L (1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Quincy?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Cambridge Water Department, Commercial Water Hardness Information page (statement on MWRA water) (2026). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Cambridge Water Department, Commercial Water Hardness Information page (statement on MWRA water) · Outdated figure? Tell us