Water hardness in El Astillero
18.2 °fH very hard
Tap water in El Astillero is very hard: 18.2 °fH (182 mg/L · 10.6 gpg · 10.2 °dH).
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 39008 (2026-10) · data checked 2026-10-19
The hardness recorded in SINAC for El Astillero is 182 mg/L CaCO₃, based on October 2026 data. In Cantabria supply comes from rivers and reservoirs on the Cantabrian slope, influenced by limestone massifs that add moderate hardness. Scale builds up regularly in kettles, taps and the washing-machine heating element, so they need frequent cleaning.
Fuentes españolas usan °fH (grados hidrotimétricos franceses) o mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 18.2 °fH |
|---|
How El Astillero compares
- Tap water in El Astillero is 9 % softer than the median of the 4988 cities we track in Spain (20.1 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 2678 of 4988 in Spain (1 = hardest); 46 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Cantabria it is number 7 of 50 cities; the regional median is 13.1 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Villaescusa, 5 km away (13 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Miengo, 15 km away (27.1 °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 El Astillero
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 10 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 El Astillero water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 182 mg/L as CaCO₃ (10.6 gpg, 10.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in El Astillero 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 El Astillero water?
10.6 gpg, equal to 10.2 °dH, 18.2 °fH or 182 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in El Astillero?
For 182 mg/L (10.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in El Astillero?
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 39008 (2026-10). Method: own measurement. SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 39008 · Outdated figure? Tell us