Hard water in Albuquerque

What the utility reports

The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority says its water ranges from moderately hard to hard, depending on source and blend.

Source: ABCWUA drinking water FAQs

Missing data: we couldn't find a published citywide ppm or grains-per-gallon figure for Albuquerque. Check the utility's latest report for your zone, or get a free in-home water test.

How to read the numbers

Tucson Water classifies hardness (mg/L as calcium carbonate) as 0–60 soft, 60–120 moderate, 120–180 hard and 180+ very hard (Tucson Water). To convert mg/L (ppm) to grains per gallon, divide by 17.1 (same source).

Hardness varies by neighborhood and water source, so test your own tap before programming a softener (how to set it).

What hard water does

Phoenix's water report notes that hard water can cause scaling in pipes and water heaters and on fixtures (City of Phoenix). See 7 signs you need a softener, or compare softener vs. RO.