Water hardness in Fermo
13 °fH hard
Tap water in Fermo is hard: 13 °fH (130 mg/L · 7.6 gpg · 7.3 °dH).
Source: ARPAM, Libro bianco sulle acque potabili (dati 2001-2002) (2001) · data checked 2026-10-29
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
The Marche region's drinking water is a mix of Apennine springs and valley groundwater, delivered by the local utilities. We hold a value of 130.0 mg/L CaCO₃, which counts as hard water (a 2001 figure that may have changed since). Visible white deposits on taps and shower glass are normal here.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 13 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | ARPAM (libro bianco; gestori CIIP/ATAC/etc.) |
How Fermo compares
- Tap water in Fermo is 39 % softer than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 475 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 24 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Marche it is number 50 of 50 cities; the regional median is 27 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Porto San Giorgio, 6 km away (18 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Italy →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Fermo
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| 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 Fermo water hard or soft?
It is hard: 130 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.6 gpg, 7.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Fermo 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 Fermo water?
7.6 gpg, equal to 7.3 °dH, 13 °fH or 130 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Fermo?
For 130 mg/L (7.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Fermo?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: ARPAM, Libro bianco sulle acque potabili (dati 2001-2002) (2001). Method: older figure, source currently unavailable. ARPAM, Libro bianco sulle acque potabili (dati 2001-2002) · Outdated figure? Tell us