Water hardness in Port-de-Bouc
31.3 °fH very hard
Tap water in Port-de-Bouc is very hard: 31.3 °fH (313 mg/L · 18.3 gpg · 17.5 °dH).
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 13077 (2026-08) · data checked 2026-10-19
Port-de-Bouc in Bouches-du-Rhône is served by the Pays de Martigues public utility (AMP). The Berre lagoon area depends largely on the Durance and Verdon systems (according to the Métropole), two limestone Alpine sources: 313 mg/L CaCO₃. The water is very hard.
TH en °fH : douce < 15, moyennement dure 15–25, dure 25–35, très dure > 35 °fH (classes usuelles ARS).
Water data
| Total hardness | 31.3 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Amp Regie Pays De Martigues |
How Port-de-Bouc compares
- Tap water in Port-de-Bouc is 31 % harder than the median of the 33641 cities we track in France (23.9 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 6707 of 33641 in France (1 = hardest); 80 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bouches-du-Rhône it is number 43 of 118 cities; the regional median is 22.4 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Martigues, 5 km away (21.7 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Grans, 23 km away (40.1 °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 Port-de-Bouc
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 18 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Port-de-Bouc water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 313 mg/L as CaCO₃ (18.3 gpg, 17.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Port-de-Bouc 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 Port-de-Bouc water?
18.3 gpg, equal to 17.5 °dH, 31.3 °fH or 313 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Port-de-Bouc?
For 313 mg/L (17.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Port-de-Bouc?
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 13077 (2026-08). Method: own measurement. Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 13077 · Outdated figure? Tell us