Water hardness in St. Helena
6.8 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in St. Helena is moderately hard: 6.8 gpg (116 mg/L · 6.5 °dH · 11.6 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA2810004 (2024-02) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 105–123 mg/L.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.8 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | St. Helena, City Of |
How St. Helena compares
- Tap water in St. Helena is 25 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 928 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 32 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 235 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Sonoma, 25 km away (3.2 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Santa Rosa, 22 km away (9.7 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in St. Helena
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 6 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 St. Helena water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 116 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.8 gpg, 6.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in St. Helena 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 St. Helena water?
6.8 gpg, equal to 6.5 °dH, 11.6 °fH or 116 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in St. Helena?
For 116 mg/L (6.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in St. Helena?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA2810004 (2024-02). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA2810004 · Outdated figure? Tell us