Water hardness in Suffern
11.3 gpg very hard
Tap water in Suffern is very hard: 11.3 gpg (194 mg/L · 10.9 °dH · 19.4 °fH).
Source: Village of Suffern 2025 Water Quality Report (2025) · data checked 2026-11-03
Range across supply zones: 75–194 mg/L.
The Village of Suffern's 2025 water quality report gives a top value of 194 mg/L (11.3 gpg), with a range of 75 to 194 mg/L (4.4 to 11.3 gpg). The wide spread suggests the supply varies by source or season, and we have not confirmed which sources feed which part of the village. Expect visible scale on kettles and fixtures at the upper end, and a softener or scale-control filter is worth considering.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 11.3 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Village of Suffern Water Department |
How Suffern compares
- Tap water in Suffern is 25 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 545 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 60 % of these cities have softer water.
- In New York it is number 1 of 16 cities; the regional median is 5.2 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Totowa, 24 km away (6.4 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Short Hills, 43 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 Suffern
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °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 Suffern water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 194 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.3 gpg, 10.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Suffern 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 Suffern water?
11.3 gpg, equal to 10.9 °dH, 19.4 °fH or 194 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Suffern?
For 194 mg/L (10.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Suffern?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Village of Suffern 2025 Water Quality Report (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Village of Suffern 2025 Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us