Water hardness in Potenza
19 °fH very hard
Tap water in Potenza is very hard: 19 °fH (190 mg/L · 11.1 gpg · 10.6 °dH).
Source: Acquedotto Lucano, monitoraggio analitico (rapporti di prova) (2025-02) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 175–202 mg/L.
Acquedotto Lucano supplies Basilicata largely from reservoirs such as Pertusillo, Monte Cotugno and Camastra, with treatment before distribution; we have not confirmed which reservoir feeds Potenza. Published analyses give a typical value of 190.0 mg/L CaCO₃, with readings from 175.4 to 201.5 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 | 19 °fH |
|---|
How Potenza compares
- Tap water in Potenza is 10 % softer than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 374 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 40 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Basilicata it is number 3 of 7 cities; the regional median is 18.2 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Venosa, 36 km away (36.5 °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 Potenza
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| 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 Potenza water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 190 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.1 gpg, 10.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Potenza 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 Potenza water?
11.1 gpg, equal to 10.6 °dH, 19 °fH or 190 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Potenza?
For 190 mg/L (10.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Potenza?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Acquedotto Lucano, monitoraggio analitico (rapporti di prova) (2025-02). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Acquedotto Lucano, monitoraggio analitico (rapporti di prova) · Outdated figure? Tell us