Water hardness in Rome
34.2 °fH very hard
Tap water in Rome is very hard: 34.2 °fH (342 mg/L · 20 gpg · 19.2 °dH).
Source: Acea Ato 2, qualità dell'acqua per zona (valori mediani) (2026-07) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 327–346 mg/L.
Rome is supplied mainly with spring water from the Apennines, chiefly the Peschiera and Le Capore springs in the province of Rieti, which reach the city through long aqueducts. Published analyses give a typical value of 342.3 mg/L CaCO₃, with readings from 326.8 to 346.1 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 | 34.2 °fH |
|---|
How Rome compares
- Tap water in Rome is 61 % harder than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 51 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 92 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Lazio it is number 12 of 54 cities; the regional median is 27.2 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Frascati, 17 km away (24.4 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Fiano Romano, 30 km away (62 °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 Rome
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 19 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 5 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| 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 Rome water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 342 mg/L as CaCO₃ (20 gpg, 19.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Rome 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 Rome water?
20 gpg, equal to 19.2 °dH, 34.2 °fH or 342 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Rome?
For 342 mg/L (19.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Rome?
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