Water hardness in Quimper
13 °fH hard
Tap water in Quimper is hard: 13 °fH (130 mg/L · 7.6 gpg · 7.3 °dH).
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 29232 (2026-08) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 91–130 mg/L.
Around Quimper, drinking water is mostly taken from rivers of the Finistère, on granite and schist bedrock. These rocks give water of low to moderate hardness: 130.0 mg/L CaCO₃, between 91.0 and 130.0 mg/L. Scale stays discreet.
TH en °fH : douce < 15, moyennement dure 15–25, dure 25–35, très dure > 35 °fH (classes usuelles ARS).
Water data
| Total hardness | 13 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Saur-Direction Des Exploitations Bretagne Occidentale |
How Quimper compares
- Tap water in Quimper is 46 % softer than the median of the 33641 cities we track in France (23.9 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 26207 of 33641 in France (1 = hardest); 22 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Finistère it is number 93 of 269 cities; the regional median is 12 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Guengat, 9 km away (8.8 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Le Faou, 34 km away (18 °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 Quimper
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Quimper water hard or soft?
It is hard: 130 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.6 gpg, 7.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Quimper 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 Quimper water?
7.6 gpg, equal to 7.3 °dH, 13 °fH or 130 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Quimper?
For 130 mg/L (7.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Quimper?
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 29232 (2026-08). Method: own measurement. Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 29232 · Outdated figure? Tell us