Water hardness in Tortona
24 °fH very hard
Tap water in Tortona is very hard: 24 °fH (240 mg/L · 14 gpg · 13.4 °dH).
Source: Gestione Acqua SpA - Parametri di qualita dellacqua, Comune di Tortona, 2 semestre 2024 table (embedded image Tortona-2-semestre-2024.jpg, updated Feb 2025) (2024) · data checked 2026-11-05
Gestione Acqua SpA reports a mean hardness of 24 °F (about 240 mg/L CaCO₃) for Tortona in the second half of 2024. That is very hard water, and limescale will build up quickly in kettles, taps and boilers. The utility's page does not say where the town's water comes from, so this note does not name a source; the figure is a six-month mean, not an annual one. Its table also lists calcium at 80 mg/L and magnesium at 9 mg/L, which is consistent with the hardness value.
Italian utilities report °f (French degrees); D.Lgs. 31/2001 recommends 15–50 °f.
Water data
| Total hardness | 24 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Gestione Acqua SpA |
How Tortona compares
- Tap water in Tortona is 13 % harder than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 252 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 60 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Piemonte it is number 38 of 242 cities; the regional median is 12.3 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Besate, 47 km away (17.9 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Locate di Triulzi, 58 km away (40.3 °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 Tortona
| 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 Tortona water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 240 mg/L as CaCO₃ (14 gpg, 13.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Tortona 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 Tortona water?
14 gpg, equal to 13.4 °dH, 24 °fH or 240 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Tortona?
For 240 mg/L (13.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Tortona?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Gestione Acqua SpA - Parametri di qualita dellacqua, Comune di Tortona, 2 semestre 2024 table (embedded image Tortona-2-semestre-2024.jpg, updated Feb 2025) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Gestione Acqua SpA - Parametri di qualita dellacqua, Comune di Tortona, 2 semestre 2024 table (embedded image Tortona-2-semestre-2024.jpg, updated Feb 2025) · Outdated figure? Tell us