Water hardness in Gela
37 °fH very hard
Tap water in Gela is very hard: 37 °fH (370 mg/L · 21.6 gpg · 20.7 °dH).
Source: Caltaqua, dati medi analisi routine provincia di Caltanissetta, II trimestre 2026 (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 190–550 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °fH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Gela Caposoprano / Montelungo | 19 | 190 | very hard |
| Gela Spinasanta | 55 | 550 | very hard |
Caltaqua's supply in the Caltanissetta and Gela area depends on bulk water from the Ancipa dam through the Blufi aqueduct, and on desalination at Gela; we have not confirmed which source feeds Gela. The utility reports 370.0 mg/L CaCO₃ across 2 supply zones, with readings from 190.0 to 550.0 mg/L, which counts as very hard water. Values differ across the area, so check your own address before buying a softener; expect scale on kettles, shower heads and in the water heater, and descaling about as often as a hard-water kitchen requires.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 37 °fH |
|---|---|
| calcio_mg_l | 61 |
| magnesio_mg_l | 10 |
| Utility | Caltaqua |
How Gela compares
- Tap water in Gela is 74 % harder than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 31 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 95 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Sicilia it is number 1 of 10 cities; the regional median is 20.5 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Niscemi, 16 km away (29 °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 Gela
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 21 °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 Gela water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 370 mg/L as CaCO₃ (21.6 gpg, 20.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Gela 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 Gela water?
21.6 gpg, equal to 20.7 °dH, 37 °fH or 370 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Gela?
For 370 mg/L (20.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Gela?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Caltaqua, dati medi analisi routine provincia di Caltanissetta, II trimestre 2026 (2026-06). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Caltaqua, dati medi analisi routine provincia di Caltanissetta, II trimestre 2026 · Outdated figure? Tell us