Water hardness in South Portland
0.4 gpg soft
Tap water in South Portland is soft: 0.4 gpg (7 mg/L · 0.4 °dH · 0.7 °fH).
Source: Portland Water District Analysis of Water Supplies 2022 (2022) · data checked 2026-11-02
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
South Portland is served by the Portland Water District. The district's 2022 analysis reports 6.7 mg/L as CaCO3, which is very soft. Water this soft rarely needs a softener, and soap and detergent doses can be reduced.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 0.4 gpg |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 3 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 0.61 |
| Utility | Portland Water District |
How South Portland compares
- Tap water in South Portland is 96 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1369 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 0 % of these cities have softer water.
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 South Portland
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 1 °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 South Portland water hard or soft?
It is soft: 7 mg/L as CaCO₃ (0.4 gpg, 0.4 °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 Portland 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 Portland water?
0.4 gpg, equal to 0.4 °dH, 0.7 °fH or 7 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in South Portland?
For 7 mg/L (0.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in South Portland?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Portland Water District Analysis of Water Supplies 2022 (2022). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Portland Water District Analysis of Water Supplies 2022 · Outdated figure? Tell us