Water hardness in Wausau
3.7 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Wausau is moderately hard: 3.7 gpg (64 mg/L · 3.6 °dH · 6.4 °fH).
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Wausau Waterworks) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Wausau Waterworks draws on municipal wells in central Wisconsin, where crystalline bedrock close to the surface and sandy deposits release fewer minerals than carbonate rock does. Hardness is only 64 mg/L CaCO₃, at the low end of moderately hard for Wisconsin. Scale is limited and a softener is optional.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.7 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Wausau Waterworks |
How Wausau compares
- Tap water in Wausau is 59 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1165 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 15 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Wisconsin it is number 422 of 448 cities; the regional median is 14.3 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Biron, 60 km away (1.7 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Schofield, 6 km away (13.1 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 Wausau
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °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 Wausau water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 64 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.7 gpg, 3.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Wausau 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 Wausau water?
3.7 gpg, equal to 3.6 °dH, 6.4 °fH or 64 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Wausau?
For 64 mg/L (3.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Wausau?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Wausau Waterworks) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (Wausau Waterworks) · Outdated figure? Tell us