Water Hardness in Des Moines, Iowa
The water hardness in Des Moines, IA is 220 ppm (12.9 grains per gallon), which is classified as Hard . Water in Des Moines is supplied by Des Moines Water Works and comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. At this hardness level, a water softener is recommended to protect your plumbing, appliances, and improve daily water quality. Without treatment, hard water at 220 ppm costs the average household an estimated $10 per year in extra expenses.
Water Quality Details for Des Moines, IA
What 220 PPM Means for Your Home in Des Moines
At 220 ppm, Des Moines's water is classified as hard. At this level, scale buildup is a serious concern. You will see heavy white deposits on faucets, showerheads, and inside your kettle. Your water heater is losing efficiency rapidly as scale insulates the heating element — this alone can increase your energy bill by 25 percent or more. Dishwashers leave cloudy residue on glasses, washing machines require extra detergent, and soap scum accumulates quickly in showers and tubs. Skin and hair may feel dry after bathing. A water softener is strongly recommended for Des Moines residents at this hardness level. The investment typically pays for itself within two years through reduced energy costs, lower soap and detergent usage, and extended appliance lifespan.
Water Source and Treatment at Des Moines Water Works
Des Moines's water is supplied by Des Moines Water Works and sourced primarily from surface water bodies including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Surface water typically requires more treatment for biological contaminants (bacteria, algae, sediment) but tends to have lower mineral content than groundwater. The hardness level of 220 ppm in Des Moines reflects the mineral content picked up as water flows through local watershed geology before reaching the treatment plant. The water has a pH of 7.7, which is slightly alkaline, and total dissolved solids of 350 ppm (elevated).
Estimated Cost of Hard Water in Des Moines
The Water Quality Association estimates that hard water costs the average household about 30 cents per grain per gallon per person per year in combined expenses from increased soap and detergent usage, reduced appliance efficiency, higher energy bills from scale-encrusted water heaters, and premature appliance and plumbing replacement. For a typical Des Moines household of 2.5 people with water at 220 ppm (12.9 gpg), this translates to approximately $10 per year. Over 10 years, that adds up to $97 in avoidable costs — often more than the total cost of installing and operating a water softener.
Recommended Treatment Solutions for Des Moines
Based on the water hardness of 220 ppm in Des Moines, the following treatment options are recommended, ranked by effectiveness for your specific hardness level.
Salt-Based Water Softener
$800 - $2,500 Effectiveness: High Removes minerals Learn more →Salt-Free Water Conditioner
$1,000 - $3,000 Effectiveness: Moderate Conditions only Learn more →Reverse Osmosis System
$200 - $500 Effectiveness: High Removes minerals Learn more →Electronic Descaler
$150 - $400 Effectiveness: Moderate Conditions only Learn more →Other Cities in Iowa
Compare Des Moines's water hardness with other cities in Iowa. Water hardness can vary significantly within a state depending on local geology and water sources.
| City | Hardness (PPM) | GPG | Level | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | 220 ppm | 12.9 | Hard | Surface |
| Iowa City | 280 ppm | 16.4 | Very Hard | Ground |
| Ames | 270 ppm | 15.8 | Very Hard | Ground |
| Cedar Rapids | 260 ppm | 15.2 | Very Hard | Ground |
| Davenport | 250 ppm | 14.6 | Hard | Surface |
| Waterloo | 230 ppm | 13.5 | Hard | Ground |
| Sioux City | 200 ppm | 11.7 | Hard | Mixed |
| Council Bluffs | 190 ppm | 11.1 | Hard | Mixed |
Test Your Water for Accurate Results
The hardness value shown for Des Moines (220 ppm) is based on the most recent available data from Des Moines Water Works. Your actual water hardness may vary depending on your neighborhood, the age of your plumbing, and seasonal changes in water supply. For the most accurate measurement, we recommend testing your tap water with a home test kit or requesting a current water quality report from Des Moines Water Works. Visit our hardness scale guide to understand what your test results mean, or explore all treatment solutions to find the right option for your home.