Water hardness in Clermont-Ferrand
7.6 °fH moderately hard
Tap water in Clermont-Ferrand is moderately hard: 7.6 °fH (76 mg/L · 4.4 gpg · 4.3 °dH).
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 63113 (2026-08) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 69–104 mg/L.
Clermont-Ferrand lies at the foot of the Chaîne des Puys, where water moves through sparingly soluble volcanic rock. Hence low to moderate hardness: 76.0 mg/L CaCO₃, between 69.0 and 104.0 mg/L. Scale stays limited.
TH en °fH : douce < 15, moyennement dure 15–25, dure 25–35, très dure > 35 °fH (classes usuelles ARS).
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.6 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Clermont Auvergne Metropole Aep |
How Clermont-Ferrand compares
- Tap water in Clermont-Ferrand is 68 % softer than the median of the 33641 cities we track in France (23.9 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 30765 of 33641 in France (1 = hardest); 8 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Puy-de-Dôme it is number 152 of 419 cities; the regional median is 5.3 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Durtol, 3 km away (5.1 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Pérignat-lès-Sarliève, 6 km away (11.1 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in France →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Clermont-Ferrand
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Clermont-Ferrand water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 76 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.4 gpg, 4.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Clermont-Ferrand 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 Clermont-Ferrand water?
4.4 gpg, equal to 4.3 °dH, 7.6 °fH or 76 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Clermont-Ferrand?
For 76 mg/L (4.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Clermont-Ferrand?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 63113 (2026-08). Method: own measurement. Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 63113 · Outdated figure? Tell us