Water hardness in Alegrete
99 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Alegrete is moderately hard: 99 mg/L (5.8 gpg · 5.5 °dH · 9.9 °fH).
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia Riograndense De Saneamento), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 49–186 mg/L.
Corsan supplies Alegrete in Rio Grande do Sul and reports a median of 98.8 mg/L CaCO₃. Samples run from 48.9 to 185.6 mg/L, a wide spread, so hardness at your tap depends on where in the network you are. The median is moderate, but the upper end is noticeably harder. Scale may show up in kettles in the harder areas.
Portaria GM/MS nº 888/2021 sets a maximum of 300 mg/L CaCO₃ for total hardness (dureza total); operators report it in mg/L to SISAGUA.
Water data
| Total hardness | 99 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Companhia Riograndense De Saneamento |
How Alegrete compares
- Tap water in Alegrete is 132 % harder than the median of the 1915 cities we track in Brazil (43 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 215 of 1915 in Brazil (1 = hardest); 89 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Rio Grande do Sul it is number 42 of 244 cities; the regional median is 60 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Manoel Viana, 50 km away (54 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Maçambará, 82 km away (177 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Brazil →
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 Alegrete
| 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 Alegrete water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 99 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.8 gpg, 5.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Alegrete safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Portaria GM/MS nº 888/2021 sets a maximum of 300 mg/L CaCO₃ for total hardness (dureza total); operators report it in mg/L to SISAGUA.
How many grains per gallon is Alegrete water?
5.8 gpg, equal to 5.5 °dH, 9.9 °fH or 99 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Alegrete?
For 99 mg/L (5.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Alegrete?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia Riograndense De Saneamento), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia Riograndense De Saneamento), CC BY-ND 3.0 · Outdated figure? Tell us