Water Hardness in Idaho Cities

Water hardness is determined by the concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water, and this characteristic can greatly differ across the United States, influenced by the specific geological and environmental conditions of each region.

In Idaho, the range of water hardness can vary from moderate to very hard, depending largely on the geological makeup of the region and the sources of its water supply. Idaho’s terrain, which encompasses vast agricultural areas, combined with its dependence on both surface water and groundwater, plays a significant role in determining the state’s water hardness levels. Within Idaho, the degree of water hardness can vary noticeably from one area to another and may also change over time in a specific locale due to alterations in water treatment methods and shifts in water sources. These fluctuations in hardness can affect various aspects, including the water’s taste. Additionally, it can influence the performance of soaps and detergents, presenting challenges for households and industries alike in terms of maintaining water quality and ensuring the efficiency of equipment.

The water hardness levels in Idaho also display variability across different cities, with measurements provided in parts per million (ppm) and grains per gallon (gpg). Boise City has a moderate hardness level at 113.0ppm or 6.6gpg. Meridian’s water is harder at 143.4ppm or 8.4gpg, indicating a higher mineral content. In contrast, Nampa’s water is softer with a hardness of 60.6ppm or 3.5gpg. Coeur d’Alene and Moscow have similar hardness levels, recorded at 106.3ppm or 6.2gpg and 110.4ppm or 6.4gpg, respectively. Notably, Ammon shows a high hardness level at 238.0ppm or 14.0gpg, while Chubbuck has an exceptionally high water hardness, the highest in this list, at 332.1ppm or 19.4gpg. Interestingly, Garden City also has a relatively high hardness at 170.0ppm or 10.0gpg. Meanwhile, cities like Idaho Falls, Caldwell, and many others did not have available data on their water hardness.

Hard water can cause issues such as mineral buildup in plumbing and appliances, reduce the efficacy of soaps and detergents, and affect the taste of the water. A tried and true solution is the use of a water softener. A water softener, like the ones from DROP, could be a worthwhile investment.

These devices work by replacing the calcium and magnesium ions that cause hardness with sodium ions, resulting in softer water. With innovative features, easy installation, and efficient operation, DROP smart water softeners provide a solution to hard water issues, extending the lifespan of appliances, improving water taste, enhancing soap effectiveness, reducing scale build-up, and increasing the overall water efficiency in your home.