Water hardness in Upland
10.2 gpg hard
Tap water in Upland is hard: 10.2 gpg (175 mg/L · 9.8 °dH · 17.5 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA3610050 (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 155–190 mg/L.
The Upland figure comes from State Water Resources Control Board lab results for the City of Upland system, using finished-water samples. The median of 26 results from 2023 to 2026 is 175 mg/L as CaCO3 (10.2 gpg), within a narrow range of 155 to 190 mg/L. That is hard water, near the line with very hard. Expect visible scale on kettles and shower screens.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 10.2 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Upland, City Of |
How Upland compares
- Tap water in Upland is 13 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 610 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 55 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 152 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Ontario, 6 km away (8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: La Verne, 10 km away (19.3 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 Upland
| 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 Upland water hard or soft?
It is hard: 175 mg/L as CaCO₃ (10.2 gpg, 9.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Upland 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 Upland water?
10.2 gpg, equal to 9.8 °dH, 17.5 °fH or 175 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Upland?
For 175 mg/L (9.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Upland?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA3610050 (2026-06). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA3610050 · Outdated figure? Tell us