Water hardness in Solaro
15.5 °fH hard
Tap water in Solaro is hard: 15.5 °fH (155 mg/L · 9.1 gpg · 8.7 °dH).
Source: Gruppo CAP, analisi acquedotto (open data), 2025 Q3–2026 Q2 (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 114–245 mg/L.
Gruppo CAP supplies Solaro with groundwater pumped from wells in the Po plain around Milan; part of it needs treatment and the rest enters the network untreated; the alluvial aquifer carries dissolved calcium and magnesium from the sediments. Published analyses give a typical value of 155.3 mg/L CaCO₃, with readings from 114.4 to 244.7 mg/L, which counts as hard water. Values differ across the area, so check your own address before buying a softener; scale shows up on kettles and taps over weeks rather than days, and a descaling routine is usually enough.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 15.5 °fH |
|---|
How Solaro compares
- Tap water in Solaro is 27 % softer than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 430 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 32 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Lombardia it is number 134 of 142 cities; the regional median is 24.9 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Settimo Milanese, 15 km away (12.2 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Senago, 5 km away (19.5 °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 Solaro
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °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 Solaro water hard or soft?
It is hard: 155 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.1 gpg, 8.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Solaro 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 Solaro water?
9.1 gpg, equal to 8.7 °dH, 15.5 °fH or 155 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Solaro?
For 155 mg/L (8.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Solaro?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
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