Water hardness in Takoma Park
3.8 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Takoma Park is moderately hard: 3.8 gpg (65 mg/L · 3.6 °dH · 6.5 °fH).
Source: WSSC Water Tap Water Analysis 2023 (2023) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 53–77 mg/L.
Takoma Park is served by WSSC Water. Its 2023 tap water analysis gives a hardness of 65 mg/L, with a range of 53 to 77 mg/L, which is moderate. Scale is usually mild and a softener is optional.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.8 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | WSSC Water |
How Takoma Park compares
- Tap water in Takoma Park is 58 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1160 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 15 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Maryland it is number 6 of 6 cities; the regional median is 5.8 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 Takoma Park
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °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 Takoma Park water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 65 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.8 gpg, 3.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Takoma Park 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 Takoma Park water?
3.8 gpg, equal to 3.6 °dH, 6.5 °fH or 65 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Takoma Park?
For 65 mg/L (3.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Takoma Park?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: WSSC Water Tap Water Analysis 2023 (2023). Method: figure published by the water supplier. WSSC Water Tap Water Analysis 2023 · Outdated figure? Tell us