Water hardness in Lourdes
8.2 °fH moderately hard
Tap water in Lourdes is moderately hard: 8.2 °fH (82 mg/L · 4.8 gpg · 4.6 °dH).
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 65286 (2025-11) · data checked 2026-10-19
Lourdes (Hautes-Pyrénées) has a published hardness of 82 mg/L CaCO₃, which is moderate. The measurement comes from SISE-Eaux sanitary monitoring (ARS), commune 65286, and dates from November 2025. The listed service is Saur France.
TH en °fH : douce < 15, moyennement dure 15–25, dure 25–35, très dure > 35 °fH (classes usuelles ARS).
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.2 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Saur France |
How Lourdes compares
- Tap water in Lourdes is 66 % softer than the median of the 33641 cities we track in France (23.9 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 30369 of 33641 in France (1 = hardest); 10 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Hautes-Pyrénées it is number 372 of 466 cities; the regional median is 11.8 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Ossun-ez-Angles, 8 km away (5.3 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Lézignan, 3 km away (23.8 °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 Lourdes
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °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 Lourdes water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 82 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.8 gpg, 4.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Lourdes 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 Lourdes water?
4.8 gpg, equal to 4.6 °dH, 8.2 °fH or 82 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Lourdes?
For 82 mg/L (4.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Lourdes?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 65286 (2025-11). Method: own measurement. Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 65286 · Outdated figure? Tell us