Water hardness in Villanova
35.1 °fH very hard
Tap water in Villanova is very hard: 35.1 °fH (351 mg/L · 20.5 gpg · 19.7 °dH).
Source: Acea Ato 2, qualità dell'acqua, scheda di zona (valori mediani) (2026-07) · data checked 2026-10-29
Villanova is in the Acea Ato 2 service area, where most of the supply is Apennine spring water carried by aqueducts from the Rieti area, topped up with local sources; we have not confirmed which intake feeds Villanova itself. The utility reports 351.0 mg/L CaCO₃, 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 | 35.1 °fH |
|---|---|
| calcio_mg_l | 104.97 |
| magnesio_mg_l | 21.69 |
| Utility | Acea Ato 2 |
How Villanova compares
- Tap water in Villanova is 65 % harder than the median of the 629 cities we track in Italy (21.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 42 of 629 in Italy (1 = hardest); 93 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Lazio it is number 8 of 54 cities; the regional median is 27.2 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Tivoli, 4 km away (27.1 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Fiano Romano, 25 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 Villanova
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 20 °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 Villanova water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 351 mg/L as CaCO₃ (20.5 gpg, 19.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Villanova 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 Villanova water?
20.5 gpg, equal to 19.7 °dH, 35.1 °fH or 351 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Villanova?
For 351 mg/L (19.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Villanova?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Acea Ato 2, qualità dell'acqua, scheda di zona (valori mediani) (2026-07). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Acea Ato 2, qualità dell'acqua, scheda di zona (valori mediani) · Outdated figure? Tell us