Water hardness in Lisieux
16.5 °fH hard
Tap water in Lisieux is hard: 16.5 °fH (165 mg/L · 9.6 gpg · 9.2 °dH).
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 14366 (2026-08) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 148–285 mg/L.
In Lisieux the water is supplied by Veolia, and groundwater in the surrounding Pays d'Auge, where chalk and limestone dominate, is the likely source (a regional statement, not confirmed for the town itself). That rock explains a median of 165 mg/L CaCO₃, with samples ranging from 148 to 285 mg/L. Limescale on kettles and washing machines is the usual consequence.
TH en °fH : douce < 15, moyennement dure 15–25, dure 25–35, très dure > 35 °fH (classes usuelles ARS).
Water data
| Total hardness | 16.5 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Veolia Eau |
How Lisieux compares
- Tap water in Lisieux is 31 % softer than the median of the 33641 cities we track in France (23.9 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 23044 of 33641 in France (1 = hardest); 31 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Calvados it is number 468 of 518 cities; the regional median is 29.3 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Boucé, 60 km away (9.4 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Saint-Désir, 1 km away (21.7 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in France →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Lisieux
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| 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 Lisieux water hard or soft?
It is hard: 165 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.6 gpg, 9.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Lisieux 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 Lisieux water?
9.6 gpg, equal to 9.2 °dH, 16.5 °fH or 165 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Lisieux?
For 165 mg/L (9.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Lisieux?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 14366 (2026-08). Method: own measurement. Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 14366 · Outdated figure? Tell us