Water hardness in South Orange
12.4 gpg very hard
Tap water in South Orange is very hard: 12.4 gpg (213 mg/L · 11.9 °dH · 21.3 °fH).
Source: New Jersey American Water, water quality report (South Orange Village) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
South Orange's water system has been run by New Jersey American Water since 2016. The village sits in the northern New Jersey suburbs of Essex County, and the reported 213 mg/L CaCO₃ is very hard water. Expect scale on kettles and in heaters.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 12.4 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | New Jersey American Water |
How South Orange compares
- Tap water in South Orange is 37 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 483 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 65 % of these cities have softer water.
- In New Jersey it is number 4 of 34 cities; the regional median is 6.4 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Harrison, 9 km away (8.2 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Short Hills, 5 km away (20 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 South Orange
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 12 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 South Orange water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 213 mg/L as CaCO₃ (12.4 gpg, 11.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in South Orange 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 South Orange water?
12.4 gpg, equal to 11.9 °dH, 21.3 °fH or 213 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in South Orange?
For 213 mg/L (11.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in South Orange?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: New Jersey American Water, water quality report (South Orange Village) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. New Jersey American Water, water quality report (South Orange Village) · Outdated figure? Tell us