Water hardness in Melfi
16.7 °fH hard
Tap water in Melfi is hard: 16.7 °fH (167 mg/L · 9.7 gpg · 9.4 °dH).
Source: Acquedotto Lucano, monitoraggio analitico (rapporti di prova) (2024-10) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 106–228 mg/L.
Acquedotto Lucano supplies Basilicata largely from reservoirs such as Pertusillo, Monte Cotugno and Camastra, with treatment before distribution; we have not confirmed which reservoir feeds Melfi. Published analyses give a typical value of 166.9 mg/L CaCO₃, with readings from 106.2 to 227.6 mg/L, which counts as hard water. Values differ across the area, so check your own address before buying a softener; scale shows up on kettles and taps over weeks rather than days, and a descaling routine is usually enough.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 16.7 °fH |
|---|
How Melfi compares
- Tap water in Melfi is 21 % softer than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 418 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 34 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Basilicata it is number 6 of 7 cities; the regional median is 18.2 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Venosa, 14 km away (36.5 °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 Melfi
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °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 Melfi water hard or soft?
It is hard: 167 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.7 gpg, 9.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Melfi 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 Melfi water?
9.7 gpg, equal to 9.4 °dH, 16.7 °fH or 167 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Melfi?
For 167 mg/L (9.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Melfi?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
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