Water hardness in Barbastro
14 °fH hard
Tap water in Barbastro is hard: 14 °fH (140 mg/L · 8.2 gpg · 7.8 °dH).
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 22048 (2026-05) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 126–169 mg/L.
The hardness recorded in SINAC for Barbastro is 140 mg/L CaCO₃, with readings from 126 to 169 mg/L, based on May 2026 data. In this part of Aragón the water comes from the Ebro, its tributaries and local sources, and crosses ground with gypsum and limestone that raises mineral content. Limescale starts to show on glass and coffee machines, though the effect at home is moderate.
Fuentes españolas usan °fH (grados hidrotimétricos franceses) o mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 14 °fH |
|---|
How Barbastro compares
- Tap water in Barbastro is 30 % softer than the median of the 4988 cities we track in Spain (20.1 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 3130 of 4988 in Spain (1 = hardest); 37 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Huesca it is number 110 of 163 cities; the regional median is 16.3 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Fonz, 10 km away (9.9 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Estadilla, 10 km away (28.6 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Spain →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Barbastro
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H2 |
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 Barbastro water hard or soft?
It is hard: 140 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.2 gpg, 7.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Barbastro 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 Barbastro water?
8.2 gpg, equal to 7.8 °dH, 14 °fH or 140 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Barbastro?
For 140 mg/L (7.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Barbastro?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 22048 (2026-05). Method: own measurement. SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 22048 · Outdated figure? Tell us