Water hardness in Baena
25.1 °fH very hard
Tap water in Baena is very hard: 25.1 °fH (251 mg/L · 14.6 gpg · 14 °dH).
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 14007 (2026-07) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 240–263 mg/L.
The hardness recorded in SINAC for Baena is 250.5 mg/L CaCO₃, with readings from 240 to 263 mg/L, based on July 2026 data. In the Subbética area of Córdoba the water comes from springs and wells in limestone and dolomite ranges, which add a lot of calcium and magnesium. This is hard water: it leaves white marks on fittings and appliances need descaling fairly often.
Fuentes españolas usan °fH (grados hidrotimétricos franceses) o mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 25.1 °fH |
|---|
How Baena compares
- Tap water in Baena is 25 % harder than the median of the 4988 cities we track in Spain (20.1 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 1991 of 4988 in Spain (1 = hardest); 60 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Córdoba it is number 34 of 75 cities; the regional median is 12.5 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Cañete de las Torres, 22 km away (4.6 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Castro del Río, 15 km away (31.6 °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 Baena
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 14 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Baena water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 251 mg/L as CaCO₃ (14.6 gpg, 14 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Baena 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 Baena water?
14.6 gpg, equal to 14 °dH, 25.1 °fH or 251 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Baena?
For 251 mg/L (14 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Baena?
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 14007 (2026-07). Method: own measurement. SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 14007 · Outdated figure? Tell us