Water hardness in Virginia Beach
3.6 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Virginia Beach is moderately hard: 3.6 gpg (61 mg/L · 3.4 °dH · 6.1 °fH).
Source: City of Virginia Beach 2026 Water Quality Report (2025 data) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 48–74 mg/L.
The City of Virginia Beach reports total hardness as CaCO3 of 48 to 74 mg/L in its 2026 water quality report, which covers 2025 data. The average column is unreadable in the file, so the 61 mg/L (3.6 gpg) shown is the midpoint of the range and is computed. The report's footnote describes the water as soft to slightly hard, and scale is usually modest.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.6 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | City of Virginia Beach Department of Public Utilities |
How Virginia Beach compares
- Tap water in Virginia Beach is 61 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1176 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 14 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Virginia it is number 10 of 19 cities; the regional median is 3.6 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Norfolk, 27 km away (2.9 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Waverly, 101 km away (10.1 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 Virginia Beach
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °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 Virginia Beach water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 61 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.6 gpg, 3.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach water?
3.6 gpg, equal to 3.4 °dH, 6.1 °fH or 61 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Virginia Beach?
For 61 mg/L (3.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Virginia Beach?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: City of Virginia Beach 2026 Water Quality Report (2025 data) (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. City of Virginia Beach 2026 Water Quality Report (2025 data) · Outdated figure? Tell us