Water hardness in Belo Horizonte
52 mg/L soft
Tap water in Belo Horizonte is soft: 52 mg/L (3 gpg · 2.9 °dH · 5.2 °fH).
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia De Saneamento De Minas Gerais), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 29–56 mg/L.
Belo Horizonte is supplied by Copasa through two integrated systems: Paraopeba (the Rio Manso, Serra Azul and Vargem das Flores reservoirs) and Rio das Velhas, which is drawn directly from the river. Records for 2026 give a median of 51.9 mg/L CaCO₃, with individual results from 28.5 to 56.3 mg/L. Water this soft rarely forms visible scale, so a softener is not needed and detergent can be dosed lightly.
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 | 52 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Companhia De Saneamento De Minas Gerais |
How Belo Horizonte compares
- Tap water in Belo Horizonte is 22 % harder than the median of the 1915 cities we track in Brazil (43 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 762 of 1915 in Brazil (1 = hardest); 60 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Minas Gerais it is number 97 of 290 cities; the regional median is 41 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Ibirité, 18 km away (21 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Confins, 30 km away (205 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Brazil →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Belo Horizonte
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Belo Horizonte water hard or soft?
It is soft: 52 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3 gpg, 2.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Belo Horizonte 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 Belo Horizonte water?
3 gpg, equal to 2.9 °dH, 5.2 °fH or 52 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Belo Horizonte?
For 52 mg/L (2.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Belo Horizonte?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia De Saneamento De Minas Gerais), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia De Saneamento De Minas Gerais), CC BY-ND 3.0 · Outdated figure? Tell us