French tap water is moderately hard on average and almost everywhere contains a little chlorine. A shower head with filter breaks down that chlorine, so your shower smells less like a swimming pool. A filter does not help against limescale.
How hard is the water in France?
In France, hardness is measured in French degrees (°f). According to Veolia, average hardness is between 20 and 30 °f. Veolia uses this classification:
| Hardness (°f) | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Below 15 | Soft (eau douce) |
| 15 to 30 | Hard (eau dure) |
| 30 to 40 | Very hard |
| Above 40 | Extremely hard |
The differences are large. In Brittany the water is naturally soft. In Île-de-France it is between 25 and 45 °f, depending on the municipality. data.gouv.fr has a map showing hardness per municipality.
Is there chlorine in French tap water?
Yes, usually. According to the French health agency ANSES, chlorine has been used to disinfect tap water for more than a century. Around 5% of the French population receives water without chlorine. Veolia cites a level of 0.1 to 0.3 milligrams per litre, which is safe for your health.
You mainly notice it from the smell. For drinking water, Veolia recommends putting a carafe in the fridge for a while. You can't do that in the shower, and that's where a filter helps.
What does a shower filter do in France?
- Does: break down free chlorine. Calcium sulphite and KDF do this in hot water too.
- Does: hold back loose particles from the pipes.
- Doesn't: soften your water. The limescale stays in the water.
Do you also have a lot of trouble with limescale? Then choose a shower head with silicone nozzles and descale it now and then. See descaling a shower head.
On holiday or in your second home
Many Dutch people know the swimming-pool smell of the shower in their French holiday home. A shower head with filter is easy to take with you: you screw it onto a standard G½″ hose in a few minutes.
Ordering Besjaar from France
Besjaar ships from Assen to France. Shipping costs €2.99 and is free from €30. You'll usually receive your parcel within 1 to 3 working days.
- Besjaar Shower Head with Filter: €25.99, with an 8-stage filter including calcium sulphite.
- Besjaar Shower Head with Hose and Filter: €30.99, so it ships free.
- Besjaar Replacement Filters: €9.99 for 2 filters, each lasting 3 to 5 months.
Frequently asked questions
Is there chlorine in French tap water?
Usually, yes. Around 5% of French people receive water without chlorine.
Is the chlorine in French tap water dangerous?
No. According to Veolia, 0.1 to 0.3 milligrams per litre is safe. It's about smell and comfort.
Does a shower filter remove limescale from French water?
No. A shower filter breaks down chlorine, but it does not soften your water.
Besjaar makes shower heads and filters for Dutch bathrooms, from Assen. Better water, every day.