Water hardness in Richmond
17.1 gpg very hard
Tap water in Richmond is very hard: 17.1 gpg (292 mg/L · 16.4 °dH · 29.2 °fH).
Source: Indiana American Water, water quality report (Richmond) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 195–401 mg/L.
Indiana American Water serves Richmond in eastern Indiana, where glacial deposits rich in limestone fragments add calcium and magnesium to groundwater. Hardness is 292 mg/L CaCO₃, with 195–401 mg/L between sampling points. Very hard water, with heavy scale on heaters.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 17.1 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Indiana American Water |
How Richmond compares
- Tap water in Richmond is 88 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 270 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 80 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Indiana it is number 28 of 40 cities; the regional median is 20 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Hamilton, 56 km away (7.6 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Winchester, 39 km away (21.5 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 Richmond
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 16 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Richmond water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 292 mg/L as CaCO₃ (17.1 gpg, 16.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Richmond 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 Richmond water?
17.1 gpg, equal to 16.4 °dH, 29.2 °fH or 292 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Richmond?
For 292 mg/L (16.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Richmond?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Indiana American Water, water quality report (Richmond) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Indiana American Water, water quality report (Richmond) · Outdated figure? Tell us