Water hardness in Desio
35.4 °fH very hard
Tap water in Desio is very hard: 35.4 °fH (354 mg/L · 20.7 gpg · 19.8 °dH).
Source: Comune di Desio / Brianzacque - Come sta l acqua a Desio (punto di prelievo) (2023) · data checked 2026-10-29
A 2023 document from the Comune di Desio and Brianzacque, covering one sampling point, gives a hardness of 354 mg/L CaCO₃ (35.4 °f). That is very hard water. It is a single-point reading, not a citywide median, and it is a few years old, so check current data from the utility.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 35.4 °fH |
|---|---|
| ca_mg_l | 100 |
| mg_mg_l | 25.3 |
| Utility | Brianzacque Srl |
How Desio compares
- Tap water in Desio is 67 % harder than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 40 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 94 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Lombardia it is number 2 of 142 cities; the regional median is 24.9 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Cormano, 8 km away (27.9 °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 Desio
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 20 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 5 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| 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 Desio water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 354 mg/L as CaCO₃ (20.7 gpg, 19.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Desio 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 Desio water?
20.7 gpg, equal to 19.8 °dH, 35.4 °fH or 354 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Desio?
For 354 mg/L (19.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Desio?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Comune di Desio / Brianzacque - Come sta l acqua a Desio (punto di prelievo) (2023). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Comune di Desio / Brianzacque - Come sta l acqua a Desio (punto di prelievo) · Outdated figure? Tell us