Water hardness in Genoa
15 °fH hard
Tap water in Genoa is hard: 15 °fH (150 mg/L · 8.8 gpg · 8.4 °dH).
Source: Gruppo Iren — Qualità dell'acqua, analisi per zona (1° semestre 2026) (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-22
Range across supply zones: 50–170 mg/L.
11 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °fH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Acquafredda Noci (zona Iren GEACNO; Val Bisagno: Staglieno, Molassana, Struppa, Quezzi, Righi) | 15 | 150 | hard |
| Angeli (zona Iren GEANGE; Bolzaneto, Rivarolo, Borzoli, Oregina, Castelletto) | 11 | 110 | moderately hard |
| Brugneto (zona Iren GEBRUG; Levante: Quarto, Quinto, Nervi, Apparizione) | 17 | 170 | hard |
| Civico (zona Iren GEPRCV; Marassi) | 15 | 150 | hard |
| Coronata (zona Iren GECORO; Coronata (Cornigliano hill)) | 6 | 60 | moderately hard |
| Crevari Campenave (zona Iren GECREV; Crevari (Voltri)) | 15 | 150 | hard |
| Erzelli (zona Iren GEERZE; Ponente: Voltri, Prà, Pegli, Sestri P., Cornigliano, Sampierdarena, Centro, Foce) | 14 | 140 | hard |
| Fabbriche (zona Iren GEFABB; Fabbriche (Voltri hinterland)) | 11 | 110 | moderately hard |
| Genovese (zona Iren GEGENO; Albaro, San Fruttuoso, Sturla) | 15 | 150 | hard |
| Isoverde (zona Iren GEISGO; Pontedecimo / upper Val Polcevera) | 5 | 50 | soft |
| Lagaccio (zona Iren GELAGA; Lagaccio) | 15 | 150 | hard |
Genoa has long drawn water from mountain reservoirs and streams behind the city, such as the Gorzente lake in Piedmont, and Iren Acqua runs the network today; we have not checked the present mix of sources, so the zone differences are what the utility reports. Its published hardness for Genoa is 150.0 mg/L CaCO₃ across 11 supply zones, with readings from 50.0 to 170.0 mg/L, which counts as hard water. Values differ across the area, so check your own address before buying a softener; appliances with heating elements need descaling now and then, and soap lathers less easily.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 15 °fH |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 54.2 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 3.8 |
| Utility | IRETI / Iren Acqua |
How Genoa compares
- Tap water in Genoa is 29 % softer than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 441 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 30 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Liguria it is number 7 of 7 cities; the regional median is 22 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Pomaretto, 109 km away (7.5 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Tortona, 55 km away (24 °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 Genoa
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| 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 Genoa water hard or soft?
It is hard: 150 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.8 gpg, 8.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Genoa 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 Genoa water?
8.8 gpg, equal to 8.4 °dH, 15 °fH or 150 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Genoa?
For 150 mg/L (8.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Genoa?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Gruppo Iren — Qualità dell'acqua, analisi per zona (1° semestre 2026) (2026-06). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Gruppo Iren — Qualità dell'acqua, analisi per zona (1° semestre 2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us