Water hardness in Matera
18.2 °fH very hard
Tap water in Matera is very hard: 18.2 °fH (182 mg/L · 10.6 gpg · 10.2 °dH).
Source: Acquedotto Lucano, monitoraggio analitico (rapporti di prova) (2024-10) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 178–185 mg/L.
Matera is served by Acquedotto Lucano, whose supply depends mostly on the regional dams and their treatment plants; the mix of reservoirs reaching a town can change in dry years. The figure we show, 181.6 mg/L CaCO₃, is calculated from the utility's published analyses, with readings from 178.3 to 184.9 mg/L, which counts as very hard water. Limescale builds up quickly on heating elements and taps, so a softener or regular descaling is worth considering.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 18.2 °fH |
|---|
How Matera compares
- Tap water in Matera is 14 % softer than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 389 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 38 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Basilicata it is number 5 of 7 cities; the regional median is 18.2 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Policoro, 51 km away (22.9 °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 Matera
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 10 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| 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 Matera water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 182 mg/L as CaCO₃ (10.6 gpg, 10.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Matera 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 Matera water?
10.6 gpg, equal to 10.2 °dH, 18.2 °fH or 182 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Matera?
For 182 mg/L (10.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Matera?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Acquedotto Lucano, monitoraggio analitico (rapporti di prova) (2024-10). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Acquedotto Lucano, monitoraggio analitico (rapporti di prova) · Outdated figure? Tell us