Water hardness in Agrigento
21 °fH very hard
Tap water in Agrigento is very hard: 21 °fH (210 mg/L · 12.3 gpg · 11.8 °dH).
Source: AICA - Qualità dell acqua (aggiornamento al 31/01/2024) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-29
AICA, the utility for the Agrigento area, reports 210 mg/L CaCO₃ (21 °f) for Agrigento in its update of 31 January 2024. The water is very hard. We have not verified the sources of supply, and the figure is a single value without a range.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 21 °fH |
|---|---|
| ca_mg_l | 50 |
| mg_mg_l | 21 |
| Utility | AICA Azienda Idrica Comuni Agrigentini |
How Agrigento compares
- Tap water in Agrigento is close to the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 320 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 48 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Sicilia it is number 5 of 10 cities; the regional median is 20.5 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Licata, 40 km away (16 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Gela, 64 km away (37 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Italy →
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 Agrigento
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 12 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Agrigento water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 210 mg/L as CaCO₃ (12.3 gpg, 11.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Agrigento safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
How many grains per gallon is Agrigento water?
12.3 gpg, equal to 11.8 °dH, 21 °fH or 210 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Agrigento?
For 210 mg/L (11.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Agrigento?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: AICA - Qualità dell acqua (aggiornamento al 31/01/2024) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. AICA - Qualità dell acqua (aggiornamento al 31/01/2024) · Outdated figure? Tell us