Water hardness in Mestre
24.6 °fH very hard
Tap water in Mestre is very hard: 24.6 °fH (246 mg/L · 14.4 gpg · 13.8 °dH).
Source: Veritas, durezza acqua distribuita, semestre ottobre 2025 - marzo 2026 (2026-03) · data checked 2026-10-29
Veritas draws the water for Mestre mostly from wells in the groundwater fields of the Veneto plain, and at peak demand adds treated river water from the Sile at the Ca' Solaro plant. The utility reports 246.0 mg/L CaCO₃, 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 | 24.6 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Veritas |
How Mestre compares
- Tap water in Mestre is 16 % harder than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 237 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 62 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Veneto it is number 22 of 37 cities; the regional median is 26.9 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Grado, 92 km away (17.1 °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 Mestre
| 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 Mestre water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 246 mg/L as CaCO₃ (14.4 gpg, 13.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Mestre 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 Mestre water?
14.4 gpg, equal to 13.8 °dH, 24.6 °fH or 246 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Mestre?
For 246 mg/L (13.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Mestre?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Veritas, durezza acqua distribuita, semestre ottobre 2025 - marzo 2026 (2026-03). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Veritas, durezza acqua distribuita, semestre ottobre 2025 - marzo 2026 · Outdated figure? Tell us