Water hardness in Toulouse
11.5 °fH moderately hard
Tap water in Toulouse is moderately hard: 11.5 °fH (115 mg/L · 6.7 gpg · 6.4 °dH).
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 31555 (2025-12) · data checked 2026-10-19
Toulouse Métropole's water comes almost entirely from the Garonne, treated at the Pech David, Clairfont and Marquisat plants. The river descends from the Pyrenees and carries less lime than chalk aquifers: 115.0 mg/L CaCO₃. Scale is moderate but still shows on taps.
TH en °fH : douce < 15, moyennement dure 15–25, dure 25–35, très dure > 35 °fH (classes usuelles ARS).
Water data
| Total hardness | 11.5 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Setom |
How Toulouse compares
- Tap water in Toulouse is 52 % softer than the median of the 33641 cities we track in France (23.9 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 27539 of 33641 in France (1 = hardest); 18 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Haute-Garonne it is number 172 of 514 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Teulat, 21 km away (8.6 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Ségoufielle, 25 km away (16.3 °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 Toulouse
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 6 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Toulouse water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 115 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.7 gpg, 6.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Toulouse 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 Toulouse water?
6.7 gpg, equal to 6.4 °dH, 11.5 °fH or 115 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Toulouse?
For 115 mg/L (6.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Toulouse?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 31555 (2025-12). Method: own measurement. Ministère de la Santé (ARS), contrôle sanitaire SISE-Eaux, commune 31555 · Outdated figure? Tell us