Water hardness in Alfafar
46.1 °fH very hard
Tap water in Alfafar is very hard: 46.1 °fH (461 mg/L · 26.9 gpg · 25.8 °dH).
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 46022 (2026-09) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 372–471 mg/L.
The hardness recorded in SINAC for Alfafar is 461 mg/L CaCO₃, with readings from 372 to 471 mg/L, based on September 2026 data. Supply in this part of Valencia mixes river water from the Turia and Júcar with wells in carbonate aquifers, and that geology is why hardness is high across much of the province. With water this hard, scale shortens the life of heating elements and hot-water pipes and often justifies treatment at home.
Fuentes españolas usan °fH (grados hidrotimétricos franceses) o mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 46.1 °fH |
|---|
How Alfafar compares
- Tap water in Alfafar is 129 % harder than the median of the 4988 cities we track in Spain (20.1 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 364 of 4988 in Spain (1 = hardest); 93 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Valencia/València it is number 43 of 250 cities; the regional median is 36 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Albalat dels Sorells, 15 km away (14 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Riba-roja de Túria, 20 km away (58.3 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Spain →
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 Alfafar
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H06 |
| Miele | 26 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 6 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S4 |
| LG | H4 |
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 Alfafar water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 461 mg/L as CaCO₃ (26.9 gpg, 25.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Alfafar 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 Alfafar water?
26.9 gpg, equal to 25.8 °dH, 46.1 °fH or 461 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Alfafar?
For 461 mg/L (25.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Alfafar?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 46022 (2026-09). Method: own measurement. SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 46022 · Outdated figure? Tell us