Water hardness in Pau
16.8 °fH hard
Tap water in Pau is hard: 16.8 °fH (168 mg/L · 9.8 gpg · 9.4 °dH).
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 64445 (2026-08) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 135–201 mg/L.
Around Pau, water comes from Pyrenean resources, between mountain springs and aquifers of the Gave de Pau. Less calcareous than the northern plateaus, it gives 168.0 mg/L CaCO₃, between 135.0 and 201.0 mg/L depending on the sector. Scale stays moderate.
TH en °fH : douce < 15, moyennement dure 15–25, dure 25–35, très dure > 35 °fH (classes usuelles ARS).
Water data
| Total hardness | 16.8 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Ca Pau Bearn Pyrenees; Societe Agur |
How Pau compares
- Tap water in Pau is 30 % softer than the median of the 33641 cities we track in France (23.9 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 22854 of 33641 in France (1 = hardest); 32 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Pyrénées-Atlantiques it is number 157 of 545 cities; the regional median is 14.5 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Baliros, 10 km away (12 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Moumour, 25 km away (24.5 °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 Pau
| 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 Pau water hard or soft?
It is hard: 168 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.8 gpg, 9.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Pau 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 Pau water?
9.8 gpg, equal to 9.4 °dH, 16.8 °fH or 168 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Pau?
For 168 mg/L (9.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Pau?
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 64445 (2026-08). Method: own measurement. Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 64445 · Outdated figure? Tell us