Water hardness in San Marino
8.1 gpg hard
Tap water in San Marino is hard: 8.1 gpg (138 mg/L · 7.7 °dH · 13.8 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1910139 (2025-08) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 98–184 mg/L.
The figure is for California American Water in San Marino, from State Water Resources Control Board lab results. The median of 17 results from 2022 to 2025, taken at 9 well points, is 138 mg/L as CaCO3 (8.1 gpg), with a range of 98 to 184 mg/L. That is hard water, and it varies by well. 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 | 8.1 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Cal/Am Water Company - San Marino |
How San Marino compares
- Tap water in San Marino is 11 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 788 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 43 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 211 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: San Gabriel, 3 km away (5.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Alhambra, 5 km away (11.7 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 San Marino
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °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 San Marino water hard or soft?
It is hard: 138 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.1 gpg, 7.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in San Marino 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 Marino water?
8.1 gpg, equal to 7.7 °dH, 13.8 °fH or 138 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in San Marino?
For 138 mg/L (7.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in San Marino?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1910139 (2025-08). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA1910139 · Outdated figure? Tell us