Water hardness in Parabiago
19.6 °fH very hard
Tap water in Parabiago is very hard: 19.6 °fH (196 mg/L · 11.4 gpg · 11 °dH).
Source: Gruppo CAP, analisi acquedotto (open data), 2025 Q3–2026 Q2 (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 165–225 mg/L.
Parabiago gets its water from the Gruppo CAP network, which draws on wells tapping the aquifer of the Milan plain. Calculated from the utility's readings, hardness is 195.9 mg/L CaCO₃, with readings from 165.4 to 224.7 mg/L, which counts as very hard water. Kettles, steam irons and dishwashers collect scale fast at this level, and a softener is a common answer.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 19.6 °fH |
|---|
How Parabiago compares
- Tap water in Parabiago is 8 % softer than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 360 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 43 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Lombardia it is number 120 of 142 cities; the regional median is 24.9 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Pregnana Milanese, 7 km away (15.2 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Nerviano, 3 km away (26.5 °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 Parabiago
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Parabiago water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 196 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.4 gpg, 11 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Parabiago 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 Parabiago water?
11.4 gpg, equal to 11 °dH, 19.6 °fH or 196 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Parabiago?
For 196 mg/L (11 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Parabiago?
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