Water hardness in Barroquinha
112 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Barroquinha is moderately hard: 112 mg/L (6.5 gpg · 6.3 °dH · 11.2 °fH).
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia De Agua E Esgoto Do Ceara), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 36–198 mg/L.
Barroquinha, in Ceará, is supplied by Companhia De Agua E Esgoto Do Ceara. Reported hardness is 112.0 milligrams per litre, moderate, but readings range widely from 35.8 to 198.0. The 2025 Ministry of Health SISAGUA data is the source, so hardness at your tap may differ from the median.
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 | 112 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Companhia De Agua E Esgoto Do Ceara |
How Barroquinha compares
- Tap water in Barroquinha is 164 % harder than the median of the 1915 cities we track in Brazil (43 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 149 of 1915 in Brazil (1 = hardest); 92 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Ceará it is number 26 of 47 cities; the regional median is 115 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 Barroquinha
| 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 Barroquinha water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 112 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.5 gpg, 6.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Barroquinha 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 Barroquinha water?
6.5 gpg, equal to 6.3 °dH, 11.2 °fH or 112 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Barroquinha?
For 112 mg/L (6.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Barroquinha?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia De Agua E Esgoto Do Ceara), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia De Agua E Esgoto Do Ceara), CC BY-ND 3.0 · Outdated figure? Tell us