Key Takeaways:

• DFW Water is Hard: Virtually every city in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has hard to very hard water, far exceeding the level where a water softener is recommended.
• The Scale: Water hardness is measured in Grains Per Gallon (GPG). Anything over 7 GPG is considered "hard," and over 10.5 GPG is "very hard."
• Typical DFW Levels: Most DFW cities have water hardness in the 10-17 GPG range.
• The Bottom Line: No matter which suburb you live in, if you're connected to a municipal supply in DFW, you have hard water, and a water softener is the only way to solve the problems it causes.

"Hard water" is a term used to describe water with a high concentration of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. In North Texas, our water comes from surface sources like lakes and rivers that flow over limestone, picking up these minerals along the way.

Understanding the Water Hardness Scale

Water hardness is measured in Grains Per Gallon (GPG). Here is the standard classification:

• Soft: 0 - 1 GPG
• Slightly Hard: 1 - 3.5 GPG
• Moderately Hard: 3.5 - 7 GPG
• Hard: 7 - 10.5 GPG
• Very Hard: Over 10.5 GPG

A water softener is generally recommended for any water over 3 GPG.

Typical Hardness Levels in DFW Suburbs

Below are the typical, approximate water hardness levels for several major DFW cities. Please note that these values can fluctuate seasonally and are based on a combination of municipal reports and our own field testing.

City	Typical Hardness (GPG)	Classification
Forney	13 - 17 GPG	Very Hard
Rockwall	12 - 16 GPG	Very Hard
Frisco	10 - 14 GPG	Very Hard
Plano	9 - 13 GPG	Hard/Very Hard
McKinney	10 - 14 GPG	Very Hard
Allen	9 - 13 GPG	Hard/Very Hard
Dallas	7 - 11 GPG	Hard/Very Hard
Fort Worth	7 - 10 GPG	Hard

Source: Data compiled from various 2023-2024 city water reports and internal field tests by Water Fixers of DFW.

What Does This Data Mean for You?

The data is clear: if you live in a DFW suburb, you have hard water. This isn't a minor issue; the "Very Hard" classification means you are highly likely to experience:

• Significant limescale buildup on fixtures and appliances.
• Cloudy dishes and glassware.
• Dry skin and hair.
• Reduced efficiency and lifespan of your water heater.

The most effective and permanent solution to these problems is a professionally installed, correctly sized water softener.

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Reviewed by Sai Akash Tumu, TCEQ Licensed Water Treatment Specialist (#WT0007448). Our approach is to educate first. For a personalized assessment, contact us for a free consultation.

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Water conditions vary, and we recommend a professional on-site water test for an accurate solution. This is not medical advice. Read full disclaimer >