Water Quality in Cape Coral, FL

Cape Coral's water has very hard water (242 PPM). A water softener is recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. Read below for a full breakdown.

Cape Coral Utilities · Source: Lower Tamiami Aquifer · Serves 216,961 residents

242
Hardness (PPM)
352
TDS (PPM)
1.3
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
1
Lead (ppb)
242 PPM 0 400 Very Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 242 PPM TDS 352 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 1 ppb Chlorine 1.3 mg/L Nitrate 3 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Cape Coral Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Very hard waterSulfur smell

Cape Coral invested in RO treatment for taste but water remains hard.

What Cape Coral's Water Means for Your Home

Cape Coral residents deal with some of the hardest municipal water in the country. At 242 PPM (14.2 grains per gallon), the water contains high concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium picked up from underground limestone and mineral formations. This is not a safety issue. The minerals are safe to consume. But they create real, measurable costs for homeowners. Hard water at 242 PPM costs the average household $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden expenses, including higher energy bills from scale-insulated water heaters, increased soap and detergent usage, and premature appliance failure. Many Cape Coral homeowners discover this only after a water heater replacement or plumber visit.

Beyond hardness, Cape Coral's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.3 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)242 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit⚠ Very Hard
Total Dissolved Solids352 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM⚠ Elevated
PFAS (total)4 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead1 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.3 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate3 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Cape Coral Homes

🧂 Water Softener
At 242 PPM (14.2 GPG), Cape Coral's water is very hard. Scale will accumulate in pipes, water heaters, and on fixtures. A salt-based ion exchange softener removes the calcium and magnesium causing the problem. For a typical Cape Coral household of 2 to 4 people, a 48,000-grain softener is the right starting size.
Learn more about this solution →

About Cape Coral's Water Supply

Water Utility: Cape Coral Utilities

Water Source: Lower Tamiami Aquifer

Population Served: 216,961

Hardness: 242 PPM (14.2 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Cape Coral Utilities. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Cape Coral to Other Florida Cities

Jacksonville

209 PPM · Very Hard

Miami

260 PPM · Very Hard

Tampa

201 PPM · Very Hard

Orlando

200 PPM · Very Hard

St. Petersburg

215 PPM · Very Hard

Hialeah

204 PPM · Very Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Coral Water

Is Cape Coral tap water safe to drink?
Cape Coral's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Cape Coral?
Yes. At 242 PPM (14.2 GPG), Cape Coral's water is very hard. Without a softener, expect visible scale buildup on faucets and shower heads, reduced water heater efficiency (15 to 25 percent higher energy costs), spotted dishes and glassware, and soap that does not lather well. A salt-based water softener is the standard solution. For a typical Cape Coral home with 2 to 4 residents, a 48,000-grain system is the most common starting size.
What water filter is best for Cape Coral?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For chlorine taste and odor, an activated carbon filter is effective and affordable, available as under-sink, countertop, or whole-house systems. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Cape Coral's water come from?
Cape Coral's drinking water is sourced from Lower Tamiami Aquifer and treated by Cape Coral Utilities. Cape Coral invested in RO treatment for taste but water remains hard..
What is the hardness of Cape Coral water in grains per gallon?
Cape Coral's water hardness is 14.2 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 242 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as very hard. Most water softener manufacturers recommend treatment above 7 GPG. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Cape Coral water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 14.2 GPG, Cape Coral's water exceeds this threshold. Scale buildup inside the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and can void the manufacturer's warranty. A water softener installed upstream of the tankless heater is the standard solution.
Is Cape Coral water safe for babies and infants?
Cape Coral's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.
How much does hard water cost a Cape Coral household per year?
At 242 PPM, hard water costs the average Cape Coral household an estimated $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden costs. This includes 15 to 25 percent higher water heating bills from scale insulation, 50 to 75 percent more soap and detergent usage, shorter appliance lifespans (water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines), and increased plumbing maintenance. A water softener typically costs $600 to $1,500 installed and $50 to $100 per year in salt, which means most Cape Coral households see a return on investment within 1 to 2 years.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Cape Coral Utilities Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.