Is West Virginia tap water hard or soft?
It depends on the city. 50 % of the 6 cities with published data in West Virginia have hard or very hard water (over 120 mg/L). The median is 5.8 gpg, from 1.8 gpg in Gassaway to 9.2 gpg in Bluefield.
We have published hardness data for 6 cities in West Virginia. The median is 5.8 gpg; the hardest water is in Bluefield (9.2 gpg), the softest in Gassaway (1.8 gpg).
50 % of these cities have hard or very hard water (over 120 mg/L).
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Cities in West Virginia, hardest first
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluefield | 9.2 | 158 | hard |
| Huntington | 9 | 154 | hard |
| Oak Hill | 7 | 120 | hard |
| Charleston | 4.6 | 79 | moderately hard |
| Weston | 3.2 | 54 | soft |
| Gassaway | 1.8 | 30 | soft |
FAQ
Is West Virginia water hard or soft?
It depends on the city. 50 % of the 6 cities we cover have hard or very hard water; the median is 5.8 gpg.
Which city in West Virginia has the hardest water?
Bluefield, at 9.2 gpg, has the hardest water of the 6 cities with published data.
Which city in West Virginia has the softest water?
Gassaway, at 1.8 gpg, has the softest water of the 6 cities with published data.
Do I need a water softener in West Virginia?
Above about 120 mg/L (7 gpg) scale builds up in water heaters, kettles and dishwashers, and a softener or at least regular descaling pays off. Look up your own city in the table: in West Virginia the values range from 1.8 gpg to 9.2 gpg.
On a private well? Well water hardness in West Virginia by county →