Water hardness in Bourges
24.4 °fH very hard
Tap water in Bourges is very hard: 24.4 °fH (244 mg/L · 14.3 gpg · 13.7 °dH).
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 18033 (2026-08) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 239–248 mg/L.
Around Bourges, water is drawn from Jurassic limestone aquifers of the Berry. This rock gives 244.0 mg/L CaCO₃, between 239.0 and 248.0 mg/L. Scale forms quickly on heating elements.
TH en °fH : douce < 15, moyennement dure 15–25, dure 25–35, très dure > 35 °fH (classes usuelles ARS).
Water data
| Total hardness | 24.4 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Communaute D'Agglomeration Bourges |
How Bourges compares
- Tap water in Bourges is close to the median of the 33641 cities we track in France (23.9 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 16257 of 33641 in France (1 = hardest); 51 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Cher it is number 80 of 285 cities; the regional median is 20.4 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Allouis, 16 km away (15.4 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Soye-en-Septaine, 10 km away (31.8 °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 Bourges
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 14 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| 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 Bourges water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 244 mg/L as CaCO₃ (14.3 gpg, 13.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bourges 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 Bourges water?
14.3 gpg, equal to 13.7 °dH, 24.4 °fH or 244 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bourges?
For 244 mg/L (13.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Bourges?
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 18033 (2026-08). Method: own measurement. Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 18033 · Outdated figure? Tell us