WH

Water Hardness in Cary, NC

North Carolina · 2 zip codes · 25 matched water systems

38 PPM
2.2 GPG
Soft
0Soft60120180300+
Verified — Annual Water Quality Report

City avg (weighted): 38 PPM

Dataset updated March 9, 202625 matched water systems in the city rollupIndividual systems and ZIPs can differ. Methodology

System used for this reading
Raleigh, City Of
NC0392010
Water source: surface water
Serves: 640,000
USGS environmental estimate: 56 PPM
Source context

How this city reading is built

This city reading is a weighted rollup across 25 matched water systems and 2 ZIP codes. Citywide readings are useful for comparison, but individual utility zones and ZIPs can differ.

Source basis
25 verified treated-water sources
25 matched systems total for this city; treated-water reports are prioritized when available.
Water source profile
Primarily surface water
Surface-water hardness can shift with reservoirs, runoff, season, and treatment. This profile is weighted by known population served across matched systems.
Data recency
March 9, 2026
Dataset rebuilt March 9, 2026; individual utility reporting years can vary.

Hardness is a mineral-content reading, not a drinking-water safety rating. Use it for scale, appliance, and softener decisions; check your utility report or test your tap before sizing treatment equipment. See how we calculate local readings.

Water Systems in Cary

These systems are matched to Cary, NC. Citywide readings are useful for comparison, but the system serving a specific address may differ from the city average.

25 water systems
PWSID is the public water system identifier. Data Source shows whether the hardness value comes from a treated-water report, USGS monitoring, or a local estimate; source year is shown when available.
Raleigh, City Of
NC0392010
Soft
38 PPMsurface water640,000 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report
Source water: 56 PPM
Cary, Town Of
NC0392020
Soft
38 PPMsurface water224,000 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report
Source water: 56 PPM
Apex, Town Of
NC0392045
Soft
38 PPMsurface water82,029 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report
Source water: 32 PPM
Holly Springs, Town Of
NC0392050
Soft
38 PPMsurface water51,947 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report
Source water: 20 PPM
Fuquay-Varina, Town Of
NC0392055
Soft
38 PPMsurface water42,954 servedVerified — Annual Water Quality Report
Source water: 20 PPM
Showing the first 5 systems. Expand to review all matched systems.

Zip Codes in Cary, NC

27511382751338

What This Means For You

Recommendations are based on the displayed hardness reading. Confirm your tap reading before sizing or buying treatment equipment.

Your Water Is Soft

Your water hardness is in the soft range. You likely don't need a water softener. Enjoy your naturally soft water!

Know your water hardness?

If you've tested your water or have your utility's CCR report, share your reading to help us improve accuracy for Cary, NC.

Submit Your Data

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the water in Cary, NC?

The citywide weighted average water hardness in Cary, NC is 38 PPM (2.2 GPG), classified as soft. This is based on 25 matched water systems.

Do I need a water softener in Cary, NC?

At 38 PPM, the citywide average is relatively soft. A water softener is generally not necessary.

Is hard water in Cary, NC safe to drink?

Water hardness itself is a mineral-content reading, not a drinking-water safety rating. Calcium and magnesium are naturally occurring minerals, but you should check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for contaminant and compliance information.

How many water systems serve Cary, NC?

Cary, North Carolina is served by 25 matched water systems across 2 zip codes.

Learn More About Your Water

Water Hardness Scale: PPM and GPG Chart

Use the USGS water hardness scale to compare PPM, GPG, and mg/L levels from soft to very hard water.

10 min read

How to Test Water Hardness at Home

Compare free lookups, soap tests, test strips, liquid drop kits, and lab tests for measuring water hardness.

8 min read