Water hardness in Boninal
201 mg/L very hard
Tap water in Boninal is very hard: 201 mg/L (11.7 gpg · 11.2 °dH · 20.1 °fH).
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Empresa Baiana De Aguas E Saneamento Sa), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 188–228 mg/L.
Boninal, in Bahia, is served by Empresa Baiana De Aguas E Saneamento Sa. Reported hardness is 200.5 milligrams per litre, which is very hard, with readings from 188.0 to 228.0. The 2026 Ministry of Health SISAGUA data is the source, and limescale on appliances is a likely consequence.
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 | 201 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Empresa Baiana De Aguas E Saneamento Sa |
How Boninal compares
- Tap water in Boninal is 372 % harder than the median of the 1915 cities we track in Brazil (43 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 31 of 1915 in Brazil (1 = hardest); 98 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bahia it is number 5 of 148 cities; the regional median is 66 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Andaraí, 44 km away (65 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Brazil →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Boninal
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Boninal water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 201 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.7 gpg, 11.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Boninal 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 Boninal water?
11.7 gpg, equal to 11.2 °dH, 20.1 °fH or 201 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Boninal?
For 201 mg/L (11.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Boninal?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Empresa Baiana De Aguas E Saneamento Sa), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Empresa Baiana De Aguas E Saneamento Sa), CC BY-ND 3.0 · Outdated figure? Tell us