Water hardness in Villaviciosa
10.5 °fH moderately hard
Tap water in Villaviciosa is moderately hard: 10.5 °fH (105 mg/L · 6.1 gpg · 5.9 °dH).
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 33076 (2026-05) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 76–285 mg/L.
The hardness recorded in SINAC for Villaviciosa is 105 mg/L CaCO₃, with readings from 76 to 285 mg/L, based on May 2026 data, so it varies a lot with the supply point and the blend at the time. In Asturias water is taken from rivers and reservoirs in the Cantabrian mountains; limestone and slate alternate in the central area, so hardness differs between municipalities. Limescale is hardly noticeable at this level, and most households do not need a softener.
Fuentes españolas usan °fH (grados hidrotimétricos franceses) o mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 10.5 °fH |
|---|
How Villaviciosa compares
- Tap water in Villaviciosa is 48 % softer than the median of the 4988 cities we track in Spain (20.1 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 3530 of 4988 in Spain (1 = hardest); 29 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Asturias it is number 29 of 49 cities; the regional median is 11.5 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Muros de Nalón, 55 km away (4 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Sariego, 14 km away (22.6 °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 Villaviciosa
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 6 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Villaviciosa water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 105 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.1 gpg, 5.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Villaviciosa 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 Villaviciosa water?
6.1 gpg, equal to 5.9 °dH, 10.5 °fH or 105 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Villaviciosa?
For 105 mg/L (5.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Villaviciosa?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 33076 (2026-05). Method: own measurement. SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 33076 · Outdated figure? Tell us