Original research
Water hardness directly affects detergent performance, fabric wear, and appliance lifespan. This index compiles publicly available water quality data across 16 Indian cities to help households understand what their local water means for laundry care.
Methodology
Figures are indicative total dissolved solids (TDS) ranges compiled from publicly reported municipal water supply data and Central Pollution Control Board water quality reporting. Ranges vary within a city by source (piped supply versus borewell) and by season. This index is a compilation of publicly available data, not primary laboratory research conducted by fabwash.com. Cities with no sourced published range are shown as “Data not yet available” rather than estimated.
Last compiled: August 2026.
TDS 300–500 ppm
Supply varies street by street between Cauvery piped water and harder borewell water. On borewell supply, use the hard-water detergent dose and add a longer rinse rather than more detergent.
Source: BWSSB published supply quality reporting and CPCB groundwater quality data
TDS 150–300 ppm
Comparatively soft supply means detergent works efficiently — standard dosing is usually enough, and over-dosing is the more common cause of residue here.
Source: BMC water quality reporting and CPCB surface water quality data
TDS 400–700 ppm
At the upper end of the national hardness range, much of each detergent dose is consumed neutralising calcium and magnesium. Liquid formulations and periodic machine descaling help.
Source: DJB published supply data and CPCB groundwater quality reports
TDS 500–900 ppm
Hardness is combined with salinity in many areas. A final rinse in the softest water available reduces the hygroscopic salt residue that makes stored cotton feel damp.
Source: CMWSSB supply reporting and CPCB coastal groundwater quality data
TDS 350–600 ppm
Hard supply reduces lathering, which often prompts over-dosing. Increase rinse time instead, and descale the machine periodically.
Source: HMWSSB supply reporting and CPCB groundwater quality data
TDS 200–400 ppm
Moderate hardness across most suburbs — standard dosing works, with occasional descaling in older buildings.
Source: PMC water supply reporting and CPCB water quality data
TDS 200–450 ppm
Moderate hardness with high iron in pockets; iron is the more visible problem, showing as yellow-brown marks on whites rather than general dulling.
Source: KMC supply reporting and CPCB groundwater quality data
TDS 400–700 ppm
Hard supply plus very dry air: mineral deposits stiffen cotton and towels lose absorbency faster than in humid cities.
Source: AMC supply reporting and CPCB groundwater quality data
Data not yet available
Data not yet available. We publish a figure only when a sourced municipal or CPCB range exists for the city.
Data not yet available
Data not yet available. We publish a figure only when a sourced municipal or CPCB range exists for the city.
Data not yet available
Data not yet available. We publish a figure only when a sourced municipal or CPCB range exists for the city.
Data not yet available
Data not yet available. We publish a figure only when a sourced municipal or CPCB range exists for the city.
Data not yet available
Data not yet available. We publish a figure only when a sourced municipal or CPCB range exists for the city.
Data not yet available
Data not yet available. We publish a figure only when a sourced municipal or CPCB range exists for the city.
Data not yet available
Data not yet available. We publish a figure only when a sourced municipal or CPCB range exists for the city.
Data not yet available
Data not yet available. We publish a figure only when a sourced municipal or CPCB range exists for the city.
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