Water hardness in West Bend
23.9 gpg very hard
Tap water in West Bend is very hard: 23.9 gpg (410 mg/L · 23 °dH · 41 °fH).
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (West Bend Waterworks) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 5–540 mg/L.
West Bend draws groundwater from municipal wells in Washington County, in sandstone and dolomite aquifers. Wells differ sharply: one reading is as low as 5 mg/L, while others reach 540 mg/L CaCO₃, with a typical value of 410 mg/L. Ask the utility which well serves your address.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 23.9 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | West Bend Waterworks |
How West Bend compares
- Tap water in West Bend is 164 % harder than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 47 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 97 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Wisconsin it is number 24 of 448 cities; the regional median is 14.3 gpg.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Theresa, 25 km away (18.4 gpg).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Random Lake, 24 km away (34.5 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 West Bend
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H06 |
| Miele | 23 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 6 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| LG | H4 |
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 West Bend water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 410 mg/L as CaCO₃ (23.9 gpg, 23 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in West Bend 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 West Bend water?
23.9 gpg, equal to 23 °dH, 41 °fH or 410 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in West Bend?
For 410 mg/L (23 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in West Bend?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (West Bend Waterworks) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Wisconsin DNR Drinking Water System portal (West Bend Waterworks) · Outdated figure? Tell us