Water hardness in Salisbury
1.3 gpg soft
Tap water in Salisbury is soft: 1.3 gpg (23 mg/L · 1.3 °dH · 2.3 °fH).
Source: Salisbury-Rowan Utilities 2025 Water Quality Report (2025) · data checked 2026-11-02
Range across supply zones: 17–28 mg/L.
Salisbury-Rowan Utilities reports 23 mg/L as CaCO3 in its 2025 water quality report, with a range of 17 to 28 mg/L. That is soft water. Scale is rarely a problem, and a softener is usually unnecessary; detergent and soap doses can often be reduced.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 1.3 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Salisbury-Rowan Utilities |
How Salisbury compares
- Tap water in Salisbury is 85 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1312 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 4 % of these cities have softer water.
- In North Carolina it is number 10 of 15 cities; the regional median is 1.5 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 Salisbury
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 1 °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 Salisbury water hard or soft?
It is soft: 23 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1.3 gpg, 1.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Salisbury 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 Salisbury water?
1.3 gpg, equal to 1.3 °dH, 2.3 °fH or 23 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Salisbury?
For 23 mg/L (1.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Salisbury?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Salisbury-Rowan Utilities 2025 Water Quality Report (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Salisbury-Rowan Utilities 2025 Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us