Water hardness in Favara
20 °fH very hard
Tap water in Favara is very hard: 20 °fH (200 mg/L · 11.7 gpg · 11.2 °dH).
Source: AICA - Qualità dell acqua (aggiornamento al 31/01/2024) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-29
AICA's quality update of 31 January 2024 lists a hardness of 200 mg/L CaCO₃ (20 °f) for Favara. That puts the water in the very hard category. Expect scale on kettles and shower fittings; the source gives no range.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 20 °fH |
|---|---|
| ca_mg_l | 64 |
| mg_mg_l | 10 |
| Utility | AICA Azienda Idrica Comuni Agrigentini |
How Favara compares
- Tap water in Favara is 6 % softer than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 350 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 44 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Sicilia it is number 6 of 10 cities; the regional median is 20.5 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Gela, 58 km away (37 °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 Favara
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °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 Favara water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 200 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.7 gpg, 11.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Favara 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 Favara water?
11.7 gpg, equal to 11.2 °dH, 20 °fH or 200 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Favara?
For 200 mg/L (11.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Favara?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: AICA - Qualità dell acqua (aggiornamento al 31/01/2024) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. AICA - Qualità dell acqua (aggiornamento al 31/01/2024) · Outdated figure? Tell us