Water hardness in Riverside
11.5 gpg very hard
Tap water in Riverside is very hard: 11.5 gpg (197 mg/L · 11 °dH · 19.7 °fH).
Source: City of Riverside 2025 Water Quality Report (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
Riverside Public Utilities' 2025 water quality report lists hardness (CaCO3) at 197 mg/L (11.5 gpg). The table does not say how the figure was averaged. The water is very hard, and the city's 2024 report gave a similar value. Expect scale on heaters, taps and dishwashers.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 11.5 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Riverside Public Utilities (City of Riverside Water Division) |
How Riverside compares
- Tap water in Riverside is 27 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 534 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 61 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 127 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Fontana, 14 km away (8.3 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Pomona, 37 km away (15.5 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 Riverside
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| 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 Riverside water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 197 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.5 gpg, 11 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Riverside 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 Riverside water?
11.5 gpg, equal to 11 °dH, 19.7 °fH or 197 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Riverside?
For 197 mg/L (11 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Riverside?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: City of Riverside 2025 Water Quality Report (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Riverside 2025 Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us