Water hardness in Bayonne
5.8 °fH soft
Tap water in Bayonne is soft: 5.8 °fH (58 mg/L · 3.4 gpg · 3.2 °dH).
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 64102 (2026-08) · data checked 2026-10-19
In the Basque Country around Bayonne, drinking water comes from Pyrenean resources, including the Nive. The rocks there are sparingly soluble and the water stays soft: 58.0 mg/L CaCO₃. Scale is rare.
TH en °fH : douce < 15, moyennement dure 15–25, dure 25–35, très dure > 35 °fH (classes usuelles ARS).
Water data
| Total hardness | 5.8 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Ca Pays Basque |
How Bayonne compares
- Tap water in Bayonne is 76 % softer than the median of the 33641 cities we track in France (23.9 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 31565 of 33641 in France (1 = hardest); 6 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Pyrénées-Atlantiques it is number 527 of 545 cities; the regional median is 14.5 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Hasparren, 18 km away (4.2 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Saint-Pierre-d'Irube, 2 km away (9.9 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in France →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Bayonne
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Bayonne water hard or soft?
It is soft: 58 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.4 gpg, 3.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bayonne 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 Bayonne water?
3.4 gpg, equal to 3.2 °dH, 5.8 °fH or 58 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bayonne?
For 58 mg/L (3.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Bayonne?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 64102 (2026-08). Method: own measurement. Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 64102 · Outdated figure? Tell us