Water hardness in Scranton
1.6 gpg soft
Tap water in Scranton is soft: 1.6 gpg (27 mg/L · 1.5 °dH · 2.7 °fH).
Source: Pennsylvania American Water, water quality report (Scranton) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 12–44 mg/L.
Pennsylvania American Water supplies Scranton mainly from Lake Scranton, topped up by upstream reservoirs such as Elmhurst and Williams Bridge. Forested upland runoff picks up few minerals, so the water is soft at 27 mg/L CaCO₃ (12–44 mg/L). Scale is rare.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 1.6 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Pennsylvania American Water |
How Scranton compares
- Tap water in Scranton is 83 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1290 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 6 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Pennsylvania it is number 21 of 23 cities; the regional median is 5.3 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Montrose, 51 km away (4 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 Scranton
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 2 °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 Scranton water hard or soft?
It is soft: 27 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1.6 gpg, 1.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Scranton 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 Scranton water?
1.6 gpg, equal to 1.5 °dH, 2.7 °fH or 27 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Scranton?
For 27 mg/L (1.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Scranton?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Pennsylvania American Water, water quality report (Scranton) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Pennsylvania American Water, water quality report (Scranton) · Outdated figure? Tell us