Water Hardness in Oregon Cities

Water hardness is characterized by the concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water. This attribute can vary throughout Oregon, with different regions of the state exhibiting varying levels of water hardness due to differences in geology and water sources.

In Oregon, water hardness levels can range from soft to hard, depending on the specific location within the state. Coastal areas of Oregon often have softer water due to the influence of rainwater and runoff from less mineralized soils. In contrast, areas in eastern Oregon may experience harder water because of the geological formations, such as sedimentary rocks, which can leach higher levels of minerals into the water supply.

Specific water hardness values in Oregon’s cities can provide insight into the local water quality. While these values can change, it’s not uncommon to find that some communities within the state have moderately hard to hard water. The hardness of water in Oregon can affect taste, the efficiency of soaps and detergents, and may have implications for home appliances that use water.

The water hardness levels in the state of Oregon show considerable variation across different cities, with measurements given in parts per million (ppm) and grains per gallon (gpg). Cities such as Keizer, Woodburn, and Newberg have high hardness levels of up to 107 ppm, 6.25 gpg. In contrast, Beaverton and Portland show significantly lower levels as low as 2.3 ppm, 0.12 gpg. Meanwhile, cities like Corvallis and Hillsboro have higher concentrations of hardness at 29.3ppm, 1.69 gpg, and 38.0ppm, 2.22 gpg. However, several cities, including Gresham, Medford, Springfield, and others did not have available data.

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.