The quantity of dissolved calcium and magnesium polyvalent cations dissolved in a sample of water determine its hardness. Cations enter the water as it percolates through calcareous rocks such as limestone. Dissolved cations alter the properties of water, changing the way it reacts with other chemicals, including detergents and soaps. Hard water contains high levels of cation, compared with soft water, which contains low levels. Concentrations of cations in water are expressed in grains per gallon (GPG), or in milligrams per liter (mg/L).
To convert from GPG to mg/L, multiply by 17.1
Milligrams per liter is the same as parts per million. There are 1 million milligrams in 1 kilogram, the mass of 1 liter of water.
Establish the hardness value for the water in mg/L. Enter the value into a calculator and then check that you have entered the value accurately.
Divide the value by 17.2, the conversion factor to convert from mg/L to GPG. The conversion factor is accurate to one decimal place, so round the result to one decimal place too. The result is the water hardness expressed in grains per gallon, or GPG.
Check for errors. Multiply your answer by 17.1. If the result is neither equal to nor very close to the original value in mg/L, there was an error in your calculations. Repeat the conversion process.
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About the Author
David Robinson has written professionally since 2000. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Royal Meteorological Society. He has written for the "Telegraph" and "Guardian" newspapers in the U.K., government publications, websites, magazines and school textbooks. He holds an honors Bachelor of Arts in geography and education and a teaching certificate from Durham University, England.
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