Water hardness in Gazi
555 mg/L very hard
Tap water in Gazi is very hard: 555 mg/L (32.4 gpg · 31.1 °dH · 55.5 °fH).
Source: EDEYA labcheck – ΔΕΥΑ Μαλεβιζίου (2024) · data checked 2026-11-05
Range across supply zones: 156–630 mg/L.
Gazi is supplied by the Malevizi municipal water utility (DEYA Malevizi) in Crete. The reported hardness is 555 mg/L CaCO₃, the median of six network sampling points in 2024, and the points range from 156 to 630 mg/L. Five points sit at 540 mg/L or above; the lowest comes from the Ammoudara area, which appears to be a separate sub-network, so hardness varies a lot between streets. Crete's aquifers are largely karst limestone, which fits the very hard readings, but we have not confirmed the exact source of Gazi's water. Expect heavy limescale on kettles and heaters in most of the town, and check which sub-network your address is on before choosing a softener.
Greek utilities report total hardness in mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 555 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | ΔΕΥΑ Μαλεβιζίου |
How Gazi compares
- Tap water in Gazi is 134 % harder than the median of the 134 cities we track in Greece (237 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 3 of 134 in Greece (1 = hardest); 98 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Crete it is number 3 of 23 cities; the regional median is 260 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Heraklion, 7 km away (267 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Greece →
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 Gazi
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H07 |
| Miele | 31 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 7 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S4 |
| LG | H4 |
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 Gazi water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 555 mg/L as CaCO₃ (32.4 gpg, 31.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Gazi safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Greek utilities report total hardness in mg/L CaCO₃.
How many grains per gallon is Gazi water?
32.4 gpg, equal to 31.1 °dH, 55.5 °fH or 555 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Gazi?
For 555 mg/L (31.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Gazi?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: EDEYA labcheck – ΔΕΥΑ Μαλεβιζίου (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. EDEYA labcheck – ΔΕΥΑ Μαλεβιζίου · Outdated figure? Tell us