Water hardness in Niscemi
29 °fH very hard
Tap water in Niscemi is very hard: 29 °fH (290 mg/L · 16.9 gpg · 16.2 °dH).
Source: Caltaqua, dati medi analisi routine provincia di Caltanissetta, II trimestre 2026 (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-29
Caltaqua's supply in the Caltanissetta and Gela area depends on bulk water from the Ancipa dam through the Blufi aqueduct, and on desalination at Gela; we have not confirmed which source feeds Niscemi. The utility reports 290.0 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 | 29 °fH |
|---|---|
| calcio_mg_l | 96 |
| magnesio_mg_l | 11 |
| Utility | Caltaqua |
How Niscemi compares
- Tap water in Niscemi is 37 % harder than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 109 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 83 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Sicilia it is number 2 of 10 cities; the regional median is 20.5 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Licata, 41 km away (16 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Gela, 16 km away (37 °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 Niscemi
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 16 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| 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 Niscemi water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 290 mg/L as CaCO₃ (16.9 gpg, 16.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Niscemi 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 Niscemi water?
16.9 gpg, equal to 16.2 °dH, 29 °fH or 290 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Niscemi?
For 290 mg/L (16.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Niscemi?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Caltaqua, dati medi analisi routine provincia di Caltanissetta, II trimestre 2026 (2026-06). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Caltaqua, dati medi analisi routine provincia di Caltanissetta, II trimestre 2026 · Outdated figure? Tell us