Water hardness in Russellville
7.3 gpg hard
Tap water in Russellville is hard: 7.3 gpg (125 mg/L · 7 °dH · 12.5 °fH).
Source: Alabama Drinking Water Watch, chemical sample results, system AL0000610 (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 121–163 mg/L.
The figure is for the Russellville Water Works and Sewer Board, from Alabama's Drinking Water Watch portal. The median of 5 samples from 2023 to 2026 is 125 mg/L as CaCO3 (7.3 gpg), with a range of 121.2 to 163.4 mg/L. That is hard water. Expect visible scale on kettles and shower screens.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.3 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Russellville Water Works And Sewer Board |
How Russellville compares
- Tap water in Russellville is 19 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 863 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 37 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Alabama it is number 5 of 17 cities; the regional median is 4.6 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Birmingham, 139 km away (5.7 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Russellville
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| 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 Russellville water hard or soft?
It is hard: 125 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.3 gpg, 7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Russellville 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 Russellville water?
7.3 gpg, equal to 7 °dH, 12.5 °fH or 125 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Russellville?
For 125 mg/L (7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Russellville?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Alabama Drinking Water Watch, chemical sample results, system AL0000610 (2026-06). Method: own measurement. Alabama Drinking Water Watch, chemical sample results, system AL0000610 · Outdated figure? Tell us