Water hardness in Santa Barbara
3.1 gpg soft
Tap water in Santa Barbara is soft: 3.1 gpg (53 mg/L · 3 °dH · 5.3 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA4210010 (2026-04) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 48–376 mg/L.
The Santa Barbara figure comes from State Water Resources Control Board lab results for the city water department, using finished-water samples from two treatment-plant points. The median of 136 results from 2021 to 2026 is 53.1 mg/L as CaCO3 (3.1 gpg). The range reaches 376 mg/L, so some readings run far harder than the median. On the median this is soft water, and scale is minor.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.1 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City Of Santa Barbara Water Department |
How Santa Barbara compares
- Tap water in Santa Barbara is 66 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1208 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 12 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 301 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: McFarland, 147 km away (0.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Goleta, 14 km away (22.2 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 Santa Barbara
| 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 Santa Barbara water hard or soft?
It is soft: 53 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.1 gpg, 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara water?
3.1 gpg, equal to 3 °dH, 5.3 °fH or 53 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Santa Barbara?
For 53 mg/L (3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Santa Barbara?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA4210010 (2026-04). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA4210010 · Outdated figure? Tell us