Water hardness in Waunakee
15.2 gpg very hard
Tap water in Waunakee is very hard: 15.2 gpg (260 mg/L · 14.6 °dH · 26 °fH).
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Waunakee Waterworks) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 240–280 mg/L.
Waunakee Waterworks pumps groundwater from Dane County wells, mostly in the deep sandstone aquifer. Hardness is 260 mg/L CaCO₃ (240–280 mg/L), very hard. Expect scale on heaters and fixtures.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 15.2 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Waunakee Waterworks |
How Waunakee compares
- Tap water in Waunakee is 68 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 353 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 74 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Wisconsin it is number 209 of 448 cities; the regional median is 14.3 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Cambridge, 40 km away (4.8 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Middleton, 10 km away (21.3 gpg).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Waunakee
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 15 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Waunakee water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 260 mg/L as CaCO₃ (15.2 gpg, 14.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Waunakee 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 Waunakee water?
15.2 gpg, equal to 14.6 °dH, 26 °fH or 260 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Waunakee?
For 260 mg/L (14.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Waunakee?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Waunakee Waterworks) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Waunakee Waterworks) · Outdated figure? Tell us