Water hardness in Ambarès-et-Lagrave
18.2 °fH very hard
Tap water in Ambarès-et-Lagrave is very hard: 18.2 °fH (182 mg/L · 10.6 gpg · 10.2 °dH).
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 33003 (2026-08) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 167–198 mg/L.
Ambarès-et-Lagrave in Gironde is served by Suez. Gironde water comes from deep limestone aquifers (Eocene, Oligocene) under heavy use (according to Bordeaux Métropole): 182 mg/L CaCO₃, ranging from 167 to 198 mg/L. The water is very hard.
TH en °fH : douce < 15, moyennement dure 15–25, dure 25–35, très dure > 35 °fH (classes usuelles ARS).
Water data
| Total hardness | 18.2 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Suez Eau France |
How Ambarès-et-Lagrave compares
- Tap water in Ambarès-et-Lagrave is 24 % softer than the median of the 33641 cities we track in France (23.9 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 21597 of 33641 in France (1 = hardest); 36 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Gironde it is number 225 of 534 cities; the regional median is 17.5 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, 4 km away (10.7 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Yvrac, 5 km away (23 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in France →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Ambarès-et-Lagrave
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 10 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| LG | H2 |
From each brand's manual for the model family named in the source; your model may differ, so check its manual. All brands and how to change the setting →
FAQ
Is Ambarès-et-Lagrave water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 182 mg/L as CaCO₃ (10.6 gpg, 10.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Ambarès-et-Lagrave safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. TH en °fH : douce < 15, moyennement dure 15–25, dure 25–35, très dure > 35 °fH (classes usuelles ARS).
How many grains per gallon is Ambarès-et-Lagrave water?
10.6 gpg, equal to 10.2 °dH, 18.2 °fH or 182 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Ambarès-et-Lagrave?
For 182 mg/L (10.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Ambarès-et-Lagrave?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 33003 (2026-08). Method: own measurement. Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 33003 · Outdated figure? Tell us