Local water data
Your water, by the numbers.
Municipal supply hardness differs across our two service cities, and even between the north and south of Calgary. Here is where each supply typically sits, and what that means inside your home.
Calgary north (Bearspaw)
141to200mg/L
roughly 8 to 12gpg (US)
Hard, reaching very hard in winter
SoftModerateHardVery hard
Hardest between December and February. Softest during spring snowmelt.
Calgary north (Bearspaw) municipal supply measures 141 to 200 milligrams per litre, roughly 8 to 12 grains per gallon US, which is Hard, reaching very hard in winter.
- Scale builds on taps, kettles and shower doors, so fixtures need cleaning more often.
- Soap and detergent lather less, so every wash uses more product.
- Water heaters and dishwashers work harder, which shortens appliance lifespan.
Source: City of Calgary published water quality report, 2025 ranges.
Calgary south (Glenmore)
181to274mg/L
roughly 11 to 16gpg (US)
Very hard year round
SoftModerateHardVery hard
Hardest between December and February. Softest during spring snowmelt.
Calgary south (Glenmore) municipal supply measures 181 to 274 milligrams per litre, roughly 11 to 16 grains per gallon US, which is Very hard year round.
- Heavier scale on glassware, shower doors and fixtures than homes north of the city.
- Higher softener capacity is needed to keep up with the same household demand.
- Salt and service intervals run shorter when a unit is sized for northern water.
Source: City of Calgary published water quality report, 2025 ranges.
Edmonton
165to185mg/L
roughly 10 to 11gpg (US)
Hard
SoftModerateHardVery hard
Hardness varies seasonally with river conditions.
Edmonton municipal supply measures 165 to 185 milligrams per litre, roughly 10 to 11 grains per gallon US, which is Hard.
- Spotting on glassware and shower doors after every wash cycle.
- Less lather from soap and shampoo, so laundry and skin feel filmy.
- Scale inside the water heater raises the energy needed to heat the same litre.
Source: EPCOR published water quality reports.
EPCOR describes the source water as moderately hard. Standard hardness classification places these levels in the hard range. Edmonton is served by two plants, Rossdale and E.L. Smith, both drawing from the North Saskatchewan River. Hardness is consistent across the city.
Depending on flow and demand, some homes receive a mix of water from both plants.
Calgary's north and south are supplied by different rivers and different treatment plants. Homes in the south typically see notably harder water than homes in the north, which changes the softener capacity a home needs.
Hard water is found in more than 85% of Canadian homes. See the concerns we treat
