Water hardness in Alcalá de Henares
6.1 °fH moderately hard
Tap water in Alcalá de Henares is moderately hard: 6.1 °fH (61 mg/L · 3.6 gpg · 3.4 °dH).
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 28005 (2026-07) · data checked 2026-10-19
The supply comes mainly from reservoirs in the Madrid sierra operated by Canal de Isabel II, plus some groundwater wells. Official analyses put the water at 61 mg/L CaCO₃, moderately hard. Scale appears gradually on kettles and shower screens.
Fuentes españolas usan °fH (grados hidrotimétricos franceses) o mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.1 °fH |
|---|
How Alcalá de Henares compares
- Tap water in Alcalá de Henares is 70 % softer than the median of the 4988 cities we track in Spain (20.1 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 4057 of 4988 in Spain (1 = hardest); 18 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Madrid it is number 20 of 114 cities; the regional median is 3.8 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Anchuelo, 6 km away (2.6 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Azuqueca de Henares, 10 km away (15.5 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Spain →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Alcalá de Henares
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Alcalá de Henares water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 61 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.6 gpg, 3.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Alcalá de Henares safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Fuentes españolas usan °fH (grados hidrotimétricos franceses) o mg/L CaCO₃.
How many grains per gallon is Alcalá de Henares water?
3.6 gpg, equal to 3.4 °dH, 6.1 °fH or 61 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Alcalá de Henares?
For 61 mg/L (3.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Alcalá de Henares?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 28005 (2026-07). Method: own measurement. SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 28005 · Outdated figure? Tell us