Water hardness in Stevens Point
10.5 gpg very hard
Tap water in Stevens Point is very hard: 10.5 gpg (180 mg/L · 10.1 °dH · 18 °fH).
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Stevens Point Waterworks) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 140–190 mg/L.
Stevens Point pumps groundwater from a municipal well field in the Portage County sand and gravel aquifer, recharged in part by the Plover River. Central Wisconsin water tends to be less mineralized than in the south, with 180 mg/L CaCO₃ (140–190 mg/L). Hard water, with scale on kettles and heaters.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 10.5 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stevens Point Waterworks |
How Stevens Point compares
- Tap water in Stevens Point is 16 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 591 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 56 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Wisconsin it is number 307 of 448 cities; the regional median is 14.3 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Biron, 20 km away (1.7 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Whiting, 4 km away (16.6 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 Stevens Point
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 10 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| 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 Stevens Point water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 180 mg/L as CaCO₃ (10.5 gpg, 10.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point water?
10.5 gpg, equal to 10.1 °dH, 18 °fH or 180 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Stevens Point?
For 180 mg/L (10.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Stevens Point?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Stevens Point Waterworks) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Stevens Point Waterworks) · Outdated figure? Tell us