Hard water in Austin

What the utility reports

Austin Water's water quality report shows total hardness of 70 to 126 ppm (4.1 to 7.4 grains per gallon), averaging 93 ppm (5.4 gpg).

Source: Austin Water: water quality reports

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.