Water hardness in Wilmington (North Carolina)
2.9 gpg soft
Tap water in Wilmington (North Carolina) is soft: 2.9 gpg (50 mg/L · 2.8 °dH · 5 °fH).
Source: Cape Fear Public Utility Authority 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 39–62 mg/L.
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority's 2025 report gives a hardness of 50 mg/L (2.9 gpg), with a range of 39 to 62 mg/L. The water is soft. Scale is minor, and a softener is not needed for hardness.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2.9 gpg |
|---|---|
| Utility | Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) |
How Wilmington (North Carolina) compares
- Tap water in Wilmington (North Carolina) is 68 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1220 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 11 % of these cities have softer water.
- In North Carolina it is number 1 of 15 cities; the regional median is 1.5 gpg.
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Wilmington
| 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 Wilmington (North Carolina) water hard or soft?
It is soft: 50 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.9 gpg, 2.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Wilmington (North Carolina) 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 Wilmington (North Carolina) water?
2.9 gpg, equal to 2.8 °dH, 5 °fH or 50 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Wilmington (North Carolina)?
For 50 mg/L (2.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Wilmington (North Carolina)?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Cape Fear Public Utility Authority 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Cape Fear Public Utility Authority 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report · Outdated figure? Tell us