| Unknown / Not Tested |
? |
⚠️ Unknown Risk |
Results vary – cloudy ice, inconsistent taste, scale in some areas, none in others
|
Do a basic water test before choosing filtration
|
Don’t finalize equipment or filters until baseline water data is known
|
| Soft (0–3 gpg) |
0–50 ppm |
🟢 Low Risk |
Clear ice, minimal scale, mostly taste/odor issues
|
Carbon filtration for taste, odor, chlorine removal
|
Annual filter changes + semi-annual sanitation
|
| Moderate (4–7 gpg) |
70–120 ppm |
🟡 Moderate Risk |
Light white film on plastic, minor scale in kettles/dish area
|
Carbon filtration with scale inhibitor sized to ice machine capacity
|
Semi-annual filter changes + semi-annual sanitation; monitor evaporator plates for early scale
|
| Hard (8–14 gpg) |
140–240 ppm |
🟠 Moderate–High Risk |
Visible white scale on faucets, dish machines, and ice machine components; cloudy ice
|
High-capacity scale-reducing filtration specifically designed for ice machines; consider pre-treatment
|
Filter changes based on manufacturer spec (often 3–6 months) + more frequent descaling; document for warranty
|
| Very Hard (15+ gpg) |
250+ ppm |
🔴 High Risk |
Heavy scale, frequent element and valve failures, rapid performance loss, short equipment life
|
Reverse osmosis (RO) with blending + carbon pre-filtration; may need whole-building or dedicated treatment
|
Aggressive scale control program, strict PM schedule, documented service to protect warranty
|
