Water hardness in Fécamp
21.1 °fH very hard
Tap water in Fécamp is very hard: 21.1 °fH (211 mg/L · 12.3 gpg · 11.8 °dH).
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 76259 (2026-08) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 187–273 mg/L.
Fécamp is served by Veolia (Pointe de Caux) and Eaux de Normandie, on the chalk plateau of the Pays de Caux. Water is drawn from the chalk aquifer, rich in limestone: 211 mg/L CaCO₃, ranging from 187 to 273 mg/L. Differences between neighbourhoods are notable.
TH en °fH : douce < 15, moyennement dure 15–25, dure 25–35, très dure > 35 °fH (classes usuelles ARS).
Water data
| Total hardness | 21.1 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Agence Veolia Pointe De Caux; Eaux De Normandie |
How Fécamp compares
- Tap water in Fécamp is 12 % softer than the median of the 33641 cities we track in France (23.9 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 19410 of 33641 in France (1 = hardest); 42 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Seine-Maritime it is number 618 of 682 cities; the regional median is 28.5 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Riville, 14 km away (15.3 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Toussaint, 4 km away (29.7 °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 Fécamp
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 12 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| 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 Fécamp water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 211 mg/L as CaCO₃ (12.3 gpg, 11.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Fécamp 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 Fécamp water?
12.3 gpg, equal to 11.8 °dH, 21.1 °fH or 211 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Fécamp?
For 211 mg/L (11.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Fécamp?
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 76259 (2026-08). Method: own measurement. Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 76259 · Outdated figure? Tell us