Water hardness in Melzo
26.9 °fH very hard
Tap water in Melzo is very hard: 26.9 °fH (269 mg/L · 15.7 gpg · 15.1 °dH).
Source: Gruppo CAP, analisi acquedotto (open data), 2025 Q3–2026 Q2 (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 246–285 mg/L.
Gruppo CAP supplies Melzo with groundwater pumped from wells in the Po plain around Milan; part of it needs treatment and the rest enters the network untreated; the alluvial aquifer carries dissolved calcium and magnesium from the sediments. Published analyses give a typical value of 268.9 mg/L CaCO₃, with readings from 246.2 to 285.2 mg/L, which counts as very hard water. 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 | 26.9 °fH |
|---|
How Melzo compares
- Tap water in Melzo is 27 % harder than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 189 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 70 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Lombardia it is number 51 of 142 cities; the regional median is 24.9 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Masate, 8 km away (20.6 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Pessano Con Bornago, 6 km away (34.3 °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 Melzo
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 15 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| 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 Melzo water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 269 mg/L as CaCO₃ (15.7 gpg, 15.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Melzo 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 Melzo water?
15.7 gpg, equal to 15.1 °dH, 26.9 °fH or 269 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Melzo?
For 269 mg/L (15.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Melzo?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Gruppo CAP, analisi acquedotto (open data), 2025 Q3–2026 Q2 (2026-06). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Gruppo CAP, analisi acquedotto (open data), 2025 Q3–2026 Q2 · Outdated figure? Tell us