Water hardness in Solvang
34.6 gpg very hard
Tap water in Solvang is very hard: 34.6 gpg (592 mg/L · 33.2 °dH · 59.2 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA4210013 (2026-03) · data checked 2026-10-21
Range across supply zones: 452–712 mg/L.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 34.6 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Solvang Water Division |
How Solvang compares
- Tap water in Solvang is 282 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 7 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 100 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 3 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Goleta, 31 km away (22.2 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 Solvang
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H07 |
| Miele | 33 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 7 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S4 |
| LG | H4 |
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 Solvang water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 592 mg/L as CaCO₃ (34.6 gpg, 33.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Solvang 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 Solvang water?
34.6 gpg, equal to 33.2 °dH, 59.2 °fH or 592 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Solvang?
For 592 mg/L (33.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Solvang?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA4210013 (2026-03). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA4210013 · Outdated figure? Tell us