Water hardness in San Bernardino
14.2 gpg very hard
Tap water in San Bernardino is very hard: 14.2 gpg (243 mg/L · 13.6 °dH · 24.3 °fH).
Source: City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (2024) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 120–330 mg/L.
The San Bernardino Municipal Water Department's 2024 report gives an average hardness of 242.7 mg/L (14.2 gpg) as CaCO3, with a range of 120 to 330 mg/L. The supply is groundwater from the Bunker Hill basin. This is very hard water, and scale builds quickly on heaters and fixtures. A newer report may change the figure.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 14.2 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department |
How San Bernardino compares
- Tap water in San Bernardino is 57 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 399 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 71 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 80 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Rialto, 9 km away (9.3 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Big Bear Lake, 39 km away (18.4 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 San Bernardino
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 14 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| 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 San Bernardino water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 243 mg/L as CaCO₃ (14.2 gpg, 13.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino water?
14.2 gpg, equal to 13.6 °dH, 24.3 °fH or 243 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in San Bernardino?
For 243 mg/L (13.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in San Bernardino?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department 2024 Consumer Confidence Report · Outdated figure? Tell us