Water hardness in Belém
165 mg/L hard
Tap water in Belém is hard: 165 mg/L (9.6 gpg · 9.2 °dH · 16.5 °fH).
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia De Saneamento Do Para), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 12–186 mg/L.
Belém is supplied from the Utinga system of the Bolonha and Água Preta lakes in the Belém area, which surface water alone cannot cover, so groundwater is used to supplement it. Records for 2026 give a median of 165.0 mg/L CaCO₃, with individual results from 12.0 to 186.0 mg/L. This is hard enough to leave visible scale on taps and heating elements; a water softener is worth considering.
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 | 165 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Companhia De Saneamento Do Para |
How Belém compares
- Tap water in Belém is 288 % harder than the median of the 1915 cities we track in Brazil (43 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 48 of 1915 in Brazil (1 = hardest); 98 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Pará it is number 2 of 7 cities; the regional median is 149 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Curuçá, 110 km away (18 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Brazil →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Belém
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H2 |
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 Belém water hard or soft?
It is hard: 165 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.6 gpg, 9.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Belém 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 Belém water?
9.6 gpg, equal to 9.2 °dH, 16.5 °fH or 165 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Belém?
For 165 mg/L (9.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Belém?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia De Saneamento Do Para), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia De Saneamento Do Para), CC BY-ND 3.0 · Outdated figure? Tell us