Water hardness in San Cataldo
17 °fH hard
Tap water in San Cataldo is hard: 17 °fH (170 mg/L · 9.9 gpg · 9.5 °dH).
Source: Caltaqua, dati medi analisi routine provincia di Caltanissetta, II trimestre 2026 (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-29
San Cataldo lies in the area served by Caltaqua, which relies on the Ancipa reservoir, the Blufi aqueduct and the Gela desalination plant for part of its supply; Sicily's gypsum and limestone in the catchments tend to push hardness up. Its published hardness for San Cataldo is 170.0 mg/L CaCO₃, which counts as hard water. Appliances with heating elements need descaling now and then, and soap lathers less easily.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 17 °fH |
|---|---|
| calcio_mg_l | 56 |
| magnesio_mg_l | 8 |
| Utility | Caltaqua |
How San Cataldo compares
- Tap water in San Cataldo is 20 % softer than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 413 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 34 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Sicilia it is number 8 of 10 cities; the regional median is 20.5 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Gela, 51 km away (37 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Italy →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in San Cataldo
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 10 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| 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 San Cataldo water hard or soft?
It is hard: 170 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.9 gpg, 9.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in San Cataldo 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 San Cataldo water?
9.9 gpg, equal to 9.5 °dH, 17 °fH or 170 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in San Cataldo?
For 170 mg/L (9.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in San Cataldo?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
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