Water hardness / Saint Paul
Is Saint Paul water hard? Somewhat.
Somewhat. Saint Paul tap water measures 92 to 107 mg/L of hardness as calcium carbonate, which is moderately hard on the USGS scale. It is the range Saint Paul Regional Water Services publishes in its Saint Paul Regional Water Services monthly mineral reports, which gives no average.
Where Saint Paul sits on the scale.
Saint Paul's published range is 92 to 107 mg/L. On the USGS scale, that is moderately hard.
0–60Moderate
61–120Hard
121–180Very hard
180+
What it means for curly hair
At this level, mineral buildup is possible but usually slow. It matters more if your hair is bleached or damaged, because damaged hair takes up more calcium and magnesium (Evans, Marsh and Wickett, 2011).
Watch for the signs before changing your routine: curls that turn dull or stiff over a few weeks.
Hard water is a plausible factor, not a proven cause of breakage. Sudden shedding, itching, flaking or scalp pain needs a dermatologist, not a chelating routine.
Change less. Learn more.
What to try
No chelating routine is needed by default. If your curls turn dull or stiff, try one chelating wash and compare the next two wash days.
What to avoid
Do not clarify or chelate every wash: it strips more than minerals.
Do not blame the water for sudden shedding, itching, flaking or scalp pain. That is a reason to see a dermatologist.
Every number keeps its source.
92–107 mg/L en los meses verificados. Classified with the US Geological Survey bands (soft 0 to 60, moderately hard 61 to 120, hard 121 to 180, very hard above 180 mg/L). Period: Agosto y noviembre de 2025. Checked against the source on 2026-10-20. Rizzado did not measure this water.
The Saint Paul Regional Water Services report is public: Saint Paul Regional Water Services monthly mineral reports. Hardness can vary by area and season, and private wells or buildings with their own treatment can differ. If you want your exact value, ask the utility for your address.
Sources
- Saint Paul Regional Water Services monthly mineral reports
- Evans, A. O., Marsh, J. M., Wickett, R. R. (2011). The uptake of water hardness metals by human hair. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 62(4), 383-391.
- Luqman, M. W. et al. (2016). Effect of topical application of hard water in weakening of hair in men. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 66(9), 1132-1136.
- Luqman, M. W. et al. (2018). To evaluate and compare changes in baseline strength of hairs after treating them with deionized water and hard water. International Journal of Trichology, 10(3), 113-117.
- Srinivasan, G., Srinivas, C. R., Mathew, A. C., Duraiswami, D. (2013). Effects of hard water on hair. International Journal of Trichology.
- U.S. Geological Survey. Hardness of water.
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RIZZADO
Your water is one part of the picture.
Rizzado uses your city's water hardness, when there is a primary source, to adjust your routine. If your city is not here, it treats the value as unknown.
