Water hardness in Shasta Lake
3.1 gpg soft
Tap water in Shasta Lake is soft: 3.1 gpg (53 mg/L · 3 °dH · 5.3 °fH).
Source: City of Shasta Lake 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (2021) · data checked 2026-11-04
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
The City of Shasta Lake draws surface water from Shasta Lake. Its report lists 53 mg/L as CaCO3, which is soft, but the sample is from 2021, so it is a dated figure. Scale should be minimal at the tap.
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 Shasta Lake (surface water from Shasta Lake) |
How Shasta Lake compares
- Tap water in Shasta Lake is 66 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1209 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 12 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 302 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 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 Shasta Lake
| 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 Shasta Lake 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 Shasta Lake 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 Shasta Lake 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 Shasta Lake?
For 53 mg/L (3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Shasta Lake?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: City of Shasta Lake 2025 Consumer Confidence Report (2021). Method: older figure, source currently unavailable. City of Shasta Lake 2025 Consumer Confidence Report · Outdated figure? Tell us