Water hardness in Sciacca
23 °fH very hard
Tap water in Sciacca is very hard: 23 °fH (230 mg/L · 13.4 gpg · 12.9 °dH).
Source: AICA - Qualità dell acqua (aggiornamento al 31/01/2024) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-29
AICA, the water utility for the Agrigento area, lists 230 mg/L CaCO₃ (23 °f) for Sciacca in its quality update of 31 January 2024. This is very hard water. Limescale on kettles and shower screens is likely, and the source gives no range for different zones.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 23 °fH |
|---|---|
| ca_mg_l | 53 |
| mg_mg_l | 25 |
| Utility | AICA Azienda Idrica Comuni Agrigentini |
How Sciacca compares
- Tap water in Sciacca is 8 % harder than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 276 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 56 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Sicilia it is number 4 of 10 cities; the regional median is 20.5 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Canicattì, 69 km away (18 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Gela, 113 km away (37 °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 Sciacca
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 13 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| 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 Sciacca water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 230 mg/L as CaCO₃ (13.4 gpg, 12.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Sciacca 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 Sciacca water?
13.4 gpg, equal to 12.9 °dH, 23 °fH or 230 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Sciacca?
For 230 mg/L (12.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Sciacca?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: AICA - Qualità dell acqua (aggiornamento al 31/01/2024) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. AICA - Qualità dell acqua (aggiornamento al 31/01/2024) · Outdated figure? Tell us