Water hardness in Balme
7.7 °fH moderately hard
Tap water in Balme is moderately hard: 7.7 °fH (77 mg/L · 4.5 gpg · 4.3 °dH).
Source: SMAT Torino, monitoraggio acque (valori medi), 2026 H1 (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-20
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.7 °fH |
|---|
How Balme compares
- Tap water in Balme is 64 % softer than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 562 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 11 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Piemonte it is number 181 of 242 cities; the regional median is 12.3 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Ala di Stura, 7 km away (2 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Chianocco, 17 km away (18.4 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Italy →
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 Balme
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 1st |
| 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 Balme water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 77 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.5 gpg, 4.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Balme 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 Balme water?
4.5 gpg, equal to 4.3 °dH, 7.7 °fH or 77 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Balme?
For 77 mg/L (4.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Balme?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: SMAT Torino, monitoraggio acque (valori medi), 2026 H1 (2026-06). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. SMAT Torino, monitoraggio acque (valori medi), 2026 H1 · Outdated figure? Tell us