Water hardness in Caravelas
223 mg/L very hard
Tap water in Caravelas is very hard: 223 mg/L (13 gpg · 12.5 °dH · 22.3 °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: 46–226 mg/L.
Caravelas, in Bahia, is supplied by Empresa Baiana De Aguas E Saneamento Sa. The 2026 reported hardness is 223.0 mg/L as calcium carbonate, which counts as very hard. Reported values range from 45.7 to 226.0 mg/L, so hardness varies a lot between samples. Heavy scale on heaters and fixtures is likely when the water is at the upper end.
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 | 223 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Empresa Baiana De Aguas E Saneamento Sa |
How Caravelas compares
- Tap water in Caravelas is 425 % harder than the median of the 1915 cities we track in Brazil (43 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 20 of 1915 in Brazil (1 = hardest); 99 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bahia it is number 3 of 148 cities; the regional median is 66 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Alcobaça, 22 km away (137 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 Caravelas
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 12 °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 Caravelas water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 223 mg/L as CaCO₃ (13 gpg, 12.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Caravelas 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 Caravelas water?
13 gpg, equal to 12.5 °dH, 22.3 °fH or 223 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Caravelas?
For 223 mg/L (12.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Caravelas?
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