Water hardness in Tallahassee
8.8 gpg hard
Tap water in Tallahassee is hard: 8.8 gpg (150 mg/L · 8.4 °dH · 15 °fH).
Source: City of Tallahassee 2025 Water Quality Report (web page) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
The City of Tallahassee's 2025 water quality page says average hardness is about 150 mg/L as CaCO3, or about 9 gpg. The figure is approximate as printed, and the linked PDF has no hardness line, so this rests on the web page alone. The supply is groundwater from the Floridan aquifer. The water is hard.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.8 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Tallahassee Utilities (water) |
How Tallahassee compares
- Tap water in Tallahassee is close to the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 707 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 48 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Florida it is number 8 of 17 cities; the regional median is 8.2 gpg.
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Tallahassee
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| 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 Tallahassee water hard or soft?
It is hard: 150 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.8 gpg, 8.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee water?
8.8 gpg, equal to 8.4 °dH, 15 °fH or 150 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Tallahassee?
For 150 mg/L (8.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Tallahassee?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: City of Tallahassee 2025 Water Quality Report (web page) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Tallahassee 2025 Water Quality Report (web page) · Outdated figure? Tell us