Water hardness in Sacramento
2.8 gpg soft
Tap water in Sacramento is soft: 2.8 gpg (49 mg/L · 2.7 °dH · 4.8 °fH).
Source: City of Sacramento 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 34–63 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| gpg | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| E.A. Fairbairn Water Treatment Plant (American River) | 2 | 34 | soft |
| Sacramento River Water | 3.7 | 63 | moderately hard |
The City of Sacramento's 2025 report gives 34 mg/L (2.0 gpg) for the E.A. Fairbairn plant on the American River and 63 mg/L (3.7 gpg) for Sacramento River water. This page shows 48.5 mg/L, the median of those two surface-water plants. The city's own system average is higher, at 83 mg/L (4.9 gpg), and groundwater wells are listed at 15 to 154 mg/L, so some addresses will get harder water than this page shows.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2.8 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Sacramento Department of Utilities |
How Sacramento compares
- Tap water in Sacramento is 69 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1227 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 11 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 305 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Roseville, 26 km away (1.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Fruitridge Pocket, 6 km away (10 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 Sacramento
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °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 Sacramento water hard or soft?
It is soft: 49 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.8 gpg, 2.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Sacramento 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 Sacramento water?
2.8 gpg, equal to 2.7 °dH, 4.8 °fH or 49 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Sacramento?
For 49 mg/L (2.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Sacramento?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: City of Sacramento 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Sacramento 2025 Consumer Confidence Report · Outdated figure? Tell us