Water hardness in Palafrugell
47.1 °fH very hard
Tap water in Palafrugell is very hard: 47.1 °fH (471 mg/L · 27.5 gpg · 26.4 °dH).
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 17117 (2025-09) · data checked 2026-10-19
SINAC data from the Ministry of Health for September 2025 put Palafrugell at 471 mg/L CaCO₃. In Girona province supply relies largely on wells and local aquifers, with inputs from the Ter and Muga basins depending on the municipality. This hardness forms limescale quickly in kettles, water heaters and washing machines; in a home, a softener is usually worth considering.
Fuentes españolas usan °fH (grados hidrotimétricos franceses) o mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 47.1 °fH |
|---|
How Palafrugell compares
- Tap water in Palafrugell is 134 % harder than the median of the 4988 cities we track in Spain (20.1 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 330 of 4988 in Spain (1 = hardest); 93 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Girona it is number 19 of 212 cities; the regional median is 25.9 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Palamós, 6 km away (29.3 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Verges, 22 km away (59.9 °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 Palafrugell
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H06 |
| Miele | 26 °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 Palafrugell water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 471 mg/L as CaCO₃ (27.5 gpg, 26.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Palafrugell 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 Palafrugell water?
27.5 gpg, equal to 26.4 °dH, 47.1 °fH or 471 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Palafrugell?
For 471 mg/L (26.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Palafrugell?
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 17117 (2025-09). Method: own measurement. SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 17117 · Outdated figure? Tell us