Water hardness in Mangalia
17 °dH very hard
Tap water in Mangalia is very hard: 17 °dH (304 mg/L · 17.7 gpg · 30.4 °fH).
Source: RAJA S.A., Indicatori fizico-chimici ai apei potabile (Ordonanța 7/2023), valori medii 2026 (2026) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 300–307 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ZAP I - zona de sud | 17.2 | 307 | very hard |
| ZAP II - zona de nord, 23 August, stațiunile | 16.8 | 300 | very hard |
RAJA S.A. Constanța reports mean 2026 values for two supply zones in Mangalia. The median is 303.5 mg/L CaCO₃ and the zones range from 299.9 to 307.0 mg/L, which is very hard. The two zones are close, so the address matters little. Scale on heating elements and fixtures is the main practical effect.
Romanian operators report "duritate totală" in German degrees (grade germane); the minimum is 5 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 17 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | RAJA S.A. Constanța |
How Mangalia compares
- Tap water in Mangalia is close to the median of the 115 cities we track in Romania (16.3 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 51 of 115 in Romania (1 = hardest); 56 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Constanța it is number 4 of 4 cities; the regional median is 18.2 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Dulcești, 10 km away (12.8 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Topraisar, 24 km away (22.2 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Romania →
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 Mangalia
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 17 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| 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 Mangalia water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 304 mg/L as CaCO₃ (17.7 gpg, 17 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Mangalia safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Romanian operators report "duritate totală" in German degrees (grade germane); the minimum is 5 °dH.
How many grains per gallon is Mangalia water?
17.7 gpg, equal to 17 °dH, 30.4 °fH or 304 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Mangalia?
For 304 mg/L (17 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Mangalia?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: RAJA S.A., Indicatori fizico-chimici ai apei potabile (Ordonanța 7/2023), valori medii 2026 (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. RAJA S.A., Indicatori fizico-chimici ai apei potabile (Ordonanța 7/2023), valori medii 2026 · Outdated figure? Tell us