Water hardness in Argelès-sur-Mer
13.9 °fH hard
Tap water in Argelès-sur-Mer is hard: 13.9 °fH (139 mg/L · 8.1 gpg · 7.8 °dH).
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 66008 (2026-08) · data checked 2026-10-19
In Argelès-sur-Mer (Pyrénées-Orientales), water supplied by Cc Des Albères, De La Côte Vermeille Et De L'Illibéris has a hardness of 139 mg/L as CaCO₃, in the hard category. The figure is measured, from the ARS SISE-Eaux health monitoring data (commune 66008), August 2026 record.
TH en °fH : douce < 15, moyennement dure 15–25, dure 25–35, très dure > 35 °fH (classes usuelles ARS).
Water data
| Total hardness | 13.9 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Cc Des Albères, De La Côte Vermeille Et De L'Illibéris |
How Argelès-sur-Mer compares
- Tap water in Argelès-sur-Mer is 42 % softer than the median of the 33641 cities we track in France (23.9 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 25570 of 33641 in France (1 = hardest); 24 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Pyrénées-Orientales it is number 107 of 223 cities; the regional median is 12.9 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Collioure, 5 km away (7.3 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Elne, 7 km away (17.9 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in France →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Argelès-sur-Mer
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| 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 Argelès-sur-Mer water hard or soft?
It is hard: 139 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.1 gpg, 7.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Argelès-sur-Mer 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 Argelès-sur-Mer water?
8.1 gpg, equal to 7.8 °dH, 13.9 °fH or 139 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Argelès-sur-Mer?
For 139 mg/L (7.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Argelès-sur-Mer?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 66008 (2026-08). Method: own measurement. Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 66008 · Outdated figure? Tell us