Water hardness in Cártama
50.8 °fH very hard
Tap water in Cártama is very hard: 50.8 °fH (508 mg/L · 29.7 gpg · 28.5 °dH).
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 29038 (2026-09) · data checked 2026-10-21
Range across supply zones: 345–562 mg/L.
SINAC data from the Ministry of Health for September 2026 put Cártama at 508 mg/L CaCO₃, with readings from 345 to 562 mg/L. Supply in this part of Málaga relies on karst aquifers in limestone and dolomite and on nearby reservoirs, hence the high hardness. 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 | 50.8 °fH |
|---|
How Cártama compares
- Tap water in Cártama is 153 % harder than the median of the 4988 cities we track in Spain (20.1 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 234 of 4988 in Spain (1 = hardest); 95 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Málaga it is number 3 of 103 cities; the regional median is 26 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Pizarra, 6 km away (35.1 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Alameda, 55 km away (76.8 °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 Cártama
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H06 |
| Miele | 28 °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 Cártama water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 508 mg/L as CaCO₃ (29.7 gpg, 28.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Cártama 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 Cártama water?
29.7 gpg, equal to 28.5 °dH, 50.8 °fH or 508 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Cártama?
For 508 mg/L (28.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Cártama?
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 29038 (2026-09). Method: own measurement. SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 29038 · Outdated figure? Tell us