Water hardness in Desenzano del Garda
22.5 °fH very hard
Tap water in Desenzano del Garda is very hard: 22.5 °fH (225 mg/L · 13.1 gpg · 12.6 °dH).
Source: Acque Bresciane - Qualità acqua per comune (2022) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 130–450 mg/L.
8 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °fH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| P.R. Località Colombare | 45 | 450 | very hard |
| P.R. Piazza Malvezzi | 13 | 130 | hard |
| P.R. Via Cassio | 23 | 230 | very hard |
| P.R. Via Gramsci | 14 | 140 | hard |
| P.R. Via Grole | 38 | 380 | very hard |
| P.R. Via Rimembranze | 13 | 130 | hard |
| P.R. Via Unità D' Italia S.Martino | 22 | 220 | very hard |
| P.R. Via Vaccarolo | 31 | 310 | very hard |
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Acque Bresciane's 2022 quality sheet for Desenzano del Garda gives 225 mg/L CaCO₃ (22.5 °f) as the typical hardness, within a very wide range of 130 to 450 mg/L (13 to 45 °f). The water is very hard on average. Because the range is so wide and the data date from 2022, ask the utility for the value at your address.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 22.5 °fH |
|---|---|
| ca_mg_l | 75 |
| mg_mg_l | 30.2 |
| Utility | Acque Bresciane Srl |
How Desenzano del Garda compares
- Tap water in Desenzano del Garda is 6 % harder than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 288 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 54 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Lombardia it is number 91 of 142 cities; the regional median is 24.9 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Ala, 49 km away (17.9 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Ghedi, 22 km away (34 °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 Desenzano del Garda
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 13 °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 Desenzano del Garda water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 225 mg/L as CaCO₃ (13.1 gpg, 12.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Desenzano del Garda 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 Desenzano del Garda water?
13.1 gpg, equal to 12.6 °dH, 22.5 °fH or 225 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Desenzano del Garda?
For 225 mg/L (12.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Desenzano del Garda?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Acque Bresciane - Qualità acqua per comune (2022). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Acque Bresciane - Qualità acqua per comune · Outdated figure? Tell us