Water hardness in Palestrina
27.3 °fH very hard
Tap water in Palestrina is very hard: 27.3 °fH (273 mg/L · 15.9 gpg · 15.3 °dH).
Source: Acea Ato 2, qualità dell'acqua per zona (valori mediani) (2026-07) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 173–340 mg/L.
Palestrina lies in the Prenestine hills east of Rome, where Acea Ato 2 combines water from the Simbrivio and Doganella aqueducts with local wells; we have not verified which share reaches Palestrina, so the description is for the area. Published analyses give a typical value of 272.5 mg/L CaCO₃, with readings from 173.1 to 340.3 mg/L, which counts as very hard water. Values differ across the area, so check your own address before buying a softener; 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 | 27.3 °fH |
|---|
How Palestrina compares
- Tap water in Palestrina is 28 % harder than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 166 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 74 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Lazio it is number 27 of 54 cities; the regional median is 27.2 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Valmontone, 7 km away (17.2 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Villanova, 18 km away (35.1 °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 Palestrina
| 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 Palestrina water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 273 mg/L as CaCO₃ (15.9 gpg, 15.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Palestrina 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 Palestrina water?
15.9 gpg, equal to 15.3 °dH, 27.3 °fH or 273 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Palestrina?
For 273 mg/L (15.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Palestrina?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Acea Ato 2, qualità dell'acqua per zona (valori mediani) (2026-07). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Acea Ato 2, qualità dell'acqua per zona (valori mediani) · Outdated figure? Tell us