Water hardness in Ariccia
16.9 °fH hard
Tap water in Ariccia is hard: 16.9 °fH (169 mg/L · 9.9 gpg · 9.5 °dH).
Source: Acea Ato 2, qualità dell'acqua per zona (valori mediani) (2026-07) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 157–229 mg/L.
Acea Ato 2 supplies Ariccia from a blend of aqueduct water and local wells typical of the Alban Hills and Prenestine area; we have not verified which share reaches Ariccia, so the description is for the area. Calculated from the utility's readings, hardness is 169.2 mg/L CaCO₃, with readings from 157.4 to 228.8 mg/L, which counts as hard water. Visible white deposits on taps and shower glass are normal here.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 16.9 °fH |
|---|
How Ariccia compares
- Tap water in Ariccia is 20 % softer than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 417 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 34 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Lazio it is number 45 of 54 cities; the regional median is 27.2 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Genzano di Roma, 2 km away (2.7 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Albano Laziale, 1 km away (27.7 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Italy →
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 Ariccia
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| 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 Ariccia water hard or soft?
It is hard: 169 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.9 gpg, 9.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Ariccia 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 Ariccia water?
9.9 gpg, equal to 9.5 °dH, 16.9 °fH or 169 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Ariccia?
For 169 mg/L (9.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Ariccia?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Acea Ato 2, qualità dell'acqua per zona (valori mediani) (2026-07). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Acea Ato 2, qualità dell'acqua per zona (valori mediani) · Outdated figure? Tell us