Water hardness in Ancona
27 °fH very hard
Tap water in Ancona is very hard: 27 °fH (270 mg/L · 15.8 gpg · 15.1 °dH).
Source: Viva Servizi, Analisi comuni (ATO2 Marche Centro), sampling point AN 55 Centrale Borgo Rodi (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-20
Viva Servizi, the utility for Ancona and the wider ATO 2 Marche area, publishes a hardness of 27 °F (270 mg/L CaCO₃) for the sampling point AN 55 Centrale Borgo Rodi. Readings on that page run from March to May 2026. It is a single point, not a citywide median, and we have not verified how far it holds for other districts or which sources feed them. At this level, expect visible limescale on kettles and shower screens.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 27 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Viva Servizi SpA |
How Ancona compares
- Tap water in Ancona is 27 % harder than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 178 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 71 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Marche it is number 25 of 50 cities; the regional median is 27 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Porto Sant'Elpidio, 44 km away (21 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Camerano, 9 km away (34.8 °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 Ancona
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 15 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Ancona water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 270 mg/L as CaCO₃ (15.8 gpg, 15.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Ancona 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 Ancona water?
15.8 gpg, equal to 15.1 °dH, 27 °fH or 270 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Ancona?
For 270 mg/L (15.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Ancona?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Viva Servizi, Analisi comuni (ATO2 Marche Centro), sampling point AN 55 Centrale Borgo Rodi (2026-06). Method: own measurement. Viva Servizi, Analisi comuni (ATO2 Marche Centro), sampling point AN 55 Centrale Borgo Rodi · Outdated figure? Tell us