Water hardness in Mende
21.3 °fH very hard
Tap water in Mende is very hard: 21.3 °fH (213 mg/L · 12.4 gpg · 11.9 °dH).
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 48095 (2026-08) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 141–284 mg/L.
Mende (Lozère) is supplied by BRL Mende. Median hardness is 213 mg/L as CaCO₃, but measurements run from 141 to 284 mg/L, so the value varies by sample. It is classed as very hard. Source: SISE-Eaux health control (ARS, commune 48095), August 2026.
TH en °fH : douce < 15, moyennement dure 15–25, dure 25–35, très dure > 35 °fH (classes usuelles ARS).
Water data
| Total hardness | 21.3 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Brl Mende |
How Mende compares
- Tap water in Mende is 11 % softer than the median of the 33641 cities we track in France (23.9 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 19295 of 33641 in France (1 = hardest); 43 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Lozère it is number 21 of 152 cities; the regional median is 1.6 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Badaroux, 4 km away (12.4 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Saint-Bauzile, 4 km away (28.3 °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 Mende
| 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 Mende water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 213 mg/L as CaCO₃ (12.4 gpg, 11.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Mende 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 Mende water?
12.4 gpg, equal to 11.9 °dH, 21.3 °fH or 213 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Mende?
For 213 mg/L (11.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Mende?
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 48095 (2026-08). Method: own measurement. Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 48095 · Outdated figure? Tell us