Water hardness in Visalia
4.7 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Visalia is moderately hard: 4.7 gpg (81 mg/L · 4.5 °dH · 8.1 °fH).
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA5410016 (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 56–128 mg/L.
The Visalia figure comes from State Water Resources Control Board lab results for the California Water Service system in Visalia. The median of 49 results from 2021 to 2026 is 81 mg/L as CaCO3 (4.7 gpg), with a range of 55.8 to 128.4 mg/L. That is moderately hard water on median, and it varies between sampling points. Scale builds slowly.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Cws - Visalia |
How Visalia compares
- Tap water in Visalia is 48 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1103 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 20 % of these cities have softer water.
- In California it is number 268 of 336 cities; the regional median is 9.5 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Tulare, 14 km away (0.5 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Woodlake, 22 km away (7 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 Visalia
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Visalia water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 81 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.7 gpg, 4.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Visalia 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 Visalia water?
4.7 gpg, equal to 4.5 °dH, 8.1 °fH or 81 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Visalia?
For 81 mg/L (4.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Visalia?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA5410016 (2026-06). Method: own measurement. California SWRCB Division of Drinking Water, EDT lab results, system CA5410016 · Outdated figure? Tell us