Water Hardness in Dover, New Hampshire
The water hardness in Dover, NH is 20 ppm (1.2 grains per gallon), which is classified as Soft . Water in Dover is supplied by City of Dover Public Works and comes primarily from underground aquifer and well water sources. No water softening treatment is needed. Dover residents enjoy naturally soft water that is gentle on plumbing, appliances, and skin.
Water Quality Details for Dover, NH
What 20 PPM Means for Your Home in Dover
At 20 ppm, Dover's water is classified as soft. This is excellent news for homeowners. Soft water lathers easily with soap and shampoo, leaves no mineral spots on dishes or glassware, and causes no scale buildup in your plumbing or water heater. Your appliances will operate at peak efficiency and enjoy their full expected lifespan. Laundry washed in soft water comes out cleaner and softer, and you will use significantly less soap, shampoo, and detergent than households with hard water. There is no need to invest in any water softening or conditioning equipment.
Water Source and Treatment at City of Dover Public Works
Dover's water is supplied by City of Dover Public Works and sourced primarily from underground aquifers accessed through deep wells. Groundwater has been naturally filtered through rock and soil, which makes it generally free of biological contaminants but higher in dissolved minerals. The 20 ppm hardness in Dover results from water percolating through limestone, chalk, or dolomite formations underground, dissolving calcium and magnesium along the way. The water has a pH of 7, which is near neutral, and total dissolved solids of 32 ppm (low).
Estimated Cost of Hard Water in Dover
With soft water at 20 ppm, Dover residents enjoy minimal costs associated with water hardness. There is no need for a water softener, and your appliances, plumbing, and fixtures will operate efficiently without mineral-related issues. You can use the manufacturer-recommended amounts of soap, shampoo, and detergent without needing extra.
Other Cities in New Hampshire
Compare Dover's water hardness with other cities in New Hampshire. Water hardness can vary significantly within a state depending on local geology and water sources.
| City | Hardness (PPM) | GPG | Level | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | 20 ppm | 1.2 | Soft | Ground |
| Portsmouth | 22 ppm | 1.3 | Soft | Ground |
| Nashua | 18 ppm | 1.1 | Soft | Mixed |
| Rochester | 16 ppm | 0.9 | Soft | Ground |
| Concord | 14 ppm | 0.8 | Soft | Surface |
| Manchester | 12 ppm | 0.7 | Soft | Surface |
| Lebanon | 12 ppm | 0.7 | Soft | Surface |
| Keene | 10 ppm | 0.6 | Soft | Surface |
Test Your Water for Accurate Results
The hardness value shown for Dover (20 ppm) is based on the most recent available data from City of Dover Public 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 City of Dover Public 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.