Water hardness in Bernalda
18.2 °fH very hard
Tap water in Bernalda is very hard: 18.2 °fH (182 mg/L · 10.6 gpg · 10.2 °dH).
Source: Acquedotto Lucano, monitoraggio analitico (rapporti di prova) (2024-11) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 173–192 mg/L.
Acquedotto Lucano publishes laboratory reports by reservoir, and two serving Bernalda give hardness values from 172.5 to 191.6 mg/L CaCO₃. The median is 182.1 mg/L, which is very hard water, calculated from calcium and magnesium. The reports date from around November 2024, so the figure may have shifted since. We have not confirmed the source of the water.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 18.2 °fH |
|---|
How Bernalda compares
- Tap water in Bernalda is 14 % softer than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 386 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 39 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Basilicata it is number 4 of 7 cities; the regional median is 18.2 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Policoro, 22 km away (22.9 °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 Bernalda
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 10 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| 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 Bernalda water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 182 mg/L as CaCO₃ (10.6 gpg, 10.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bernalda 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 Bernalda water?
10.6 gpg, equal to 10.2 °dH, 18.2 °fH or 182 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bernalda?
For 182 mg/L (10.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Bernalda?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Acquedotto Lucano, monitoraggio analitico (rapporti di prova) (2024-11). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Acquedotto Lucano, monitoraggio analitico (rapporti di prova) · Outdated figure? Tell us