Water hardness in Taunton
0.7 gpg soft
Tap water in Taunton is soft: 0.7 gpg (13 mg/L · 0.7 °dH · 1.3 °fH).
Source: City of Taunton, Annual Water Quality Report, reporting year 2025 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-23
Taunton draws its water from reservoirs in the Assawompset Pond complex in Lakeville, Middleborough, Freetown and Rochester, treated at a plant on Elders Pond. Southeastern Massachusetts ponds sit on sandy, low-mineral glacial soils, so the water is very soft at 12.5 mg/L CaCO₃. A softener adds nothing.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 0.7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 2.67 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 1.43 |
| Utility | City of Taunton Water Division |
How Taunton compares
- Tap water in Taunton is 92 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1355 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 1 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Massachusetts it is number 13 of 13 cities; the regional median is 1.9 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Quincy, 40 km away (1 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Taunton
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 1 °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 Taunton water hard or soft?
It is soft: 13 mg/L as CaCO₃ (0.7 gpg, 0.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Taunton 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 Taunton water?
0.7 gpg, equal to 0.7 °dH, 1.3 °fH or 13 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Taunton?
For 13 mg/L (0.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Taunton?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: City of Taunton, Annual Water Quality Report, reporting year 2025 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Taunton, Annual Water Quality Report, reporting year 2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us