Water hardness in Imperia
25 °fH very hard
Tap water in Imperia is very hard: 25 °fH (250 mg/L · 14.6 gpg · 14 °dH).
Source: Rivieracqua, qualità dell'acqua per comune (tabelle per punto di prelievo) (2025-07) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 240–280 mg/L.
Rivieracqua's per-sampling-point tables (July 2025) show a hardness of 250 mg/L CaCO₃ (25 °f) for Imperia, within a range of 240 to 280 mg/L (24 to 28 °f). The water is very hard. We have not checked which sources supply each part of the town, so use the figure as a guide rather than a value for your own tap.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 25 °fH |
|---|
How Imperia compares
- Tap water in Imperia is 18 % harder than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 230 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 63 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Liguria it is number 3 of 7 cities; the regional median is 22 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Sanremo, 22 km away (19.5 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Lombriasco, 111 km away (32 °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 Imperia
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 14 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Imperia water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 250 mg/L as CaCO₃ (14.6 gpg, 14 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Imperia 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 Imperia water?
14.6 gpg, equal to 14 °dH, 25 °fH or 250 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Imperia?
For 250 mg/L (14 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Imperia?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Rivieracqua, qualità dell'acqua per comune (tabelle per punto di prelievo) (2025-07). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Rivieracqua, qualità dell'acqua per comune (tabelle per punto di prelievo) · Outdated figure? Tell us