Water hardness in Priego de Córdoba
31.8 °fH very hard
Tap water in Priego de Córdoba is very hard: 31.8 °fH (318 mg/L · 18.5 gpg · 17.8 °dH).
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 14055 (2026-09) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 217–580 mg/L.
The hardness recorded in SINAC for Priego de Córdoba is 317.5 mg/L CaCO₃, with readings from 217 to 580 mg/L, based on September 2026 data, so it varies a lot with the supply point and the blend at the time. In the Subbética area of Córdoba the water comes from springs and wells in limestone and dolomite ranges, which add a lot of calcium and magnesium. 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 | 31.8 °fH |
|---|
How Priego de Córdoba compares
- Tap water in Priego de Córdoba is 58 % harder than the median of the 4988 cities we track in Spain (20.1 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 1270 of 4988 in Spain (1 = hardest); 75 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Córdoba it is number 7 of 75 cities; the regional median is 12.5 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Almedinilla, 10 km away (20.2 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Alcaudete, 14 km away (53.5 °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 Priego de Córdoba
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 18 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Priego de Córdoba water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 318 mg/L as CaCO₃ (18.5 gpg, 17.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Priego de Córdoba 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 Priego de Córdoba water?
18.5 gpg, equal to 17.8 °dH, 31.8 °fH or 318 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Priego de Córdoba?
For 318 mg/L (17.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Priego de Córdoba?
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 14055 (2026-09). Method: own measurement. SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 14055 · Outdated figure? Tell us