Water hardness in Gardanne
20.3 °fH very hard
Tap water in Gardanne is very hard: 20.3 °fH (203 mg/L · 11.9 gpg · 11.4 °dH).
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 13041 (2026-08) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 183–223 mg/L.
In Gardanne (Bouches-du-Rhône), water from the Régie des Eaux du Pays d'Aix has a median hardness of 203 mg/L as CaCO₃, ranging from 183 to 223 mg/L. It is classed as very hard. Data from the SISE-Eaux sanitary control (ARS, commune 13041), August 2026, measured values.
TH en °fH : douce < 15, moyennement dure 15–25, dure 25–35, très dure > 35 °fH (classes usuelles ARS).
Water data
| Total hardness | 20.3 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Regie Des Eaux Du Pays D'Aix |
How Gardanne compares
- Tap water in Gardanne is 15 % softer than the median of the 33641 cities we track in France (23.9 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 20128 of 33641 in France (1 = hardest); 40 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bouches-du-Rhône it is number 83 of 118 cities; the regional median is 22.4 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Mimet, 5 km away (15.9 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Auriol, 16 km away (43.2 °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 Gardanne
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °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 Gardanne water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 203 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.9 gpg, 11.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Gardanne 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 Gardanne water?
11.9 gpg, equal to 11.4 °dH, 20.3 °fH or 203 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Gardanne?
For 203 mg/L (11.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Gardanne?
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 13041 (2026-08). Method: own measurement. Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 13041 · Outdated figure? Tell us