Water hardness in Linares
6.9 °fH moderately hard
Tap water in Linares is moderately hard: 6.9 °fH (69 mg/L · 4 gpg · 3.9 °dH).
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 23055 (2026-09) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 66–70 mg/L.
The water comes from Sierra Morena reservoirs, which are siliceous. Official analyses put the water at 69 mg/L CaCO₃, moderately hard, with values between 66 and 70 mg/L. A mix of sources with different mineral content gives an intermediate value. Scale appears gradually on kettles and shower screens.
Fuentes españolas usan °fH (grados hidrotimétricos franceses) o mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.9 °fH |
|---|
How Linares compares
- Tap water in Linares is 66 % softer than the median of the 4988 cities we track in Spain (20.1 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 3960 of 4988 in Spain (1 = hardest); 20 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Jaén it is number 82 of 96 cities; the regional median is 24.6 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Villanueva de la Reina, 22 km away (4.4 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Ibros, 11 km away (22.5 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Spain →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Linares
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Linares water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 69 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4 gpg, 3.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Linares 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 Linares water?
4 gpg, equal to 3.9 °dH, 6.9 °fH or 69 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Linares?
For 69 mg/L (3.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Linares?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 23055 (2026-09). Method: own measurement. SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 23055 · Outdated figure? Tell us