Water hardness in Iraquara
190 mg/L very hard
Tap water in Iraquara is very hard: 190 mg/L (11.1 gpg · 10.6 °dH · 19 °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: 118–238 mg/L.
Iraquara, in Bahia, is supplied by Empresa Baiana De Aguas E Saneamento Sa. The Ministry of Health reports a median hardness of 190.1 mg/L, with samples from 118.0 to 238.0 mg/L (2026 data). That is very hard water, so expect limescale on kettles, taps and water heaters.
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 | 190 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Empresa Baiana De Aguas E Saneamento Sa |
How Iraquara compares
- Tap water in Iraquara is 347 % harder than the median of the 1915 cities we track in Brazil (43 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 35 of 1915 in Brazil (1 = hardest); 98 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bahia it is number 6 of 148 cities; the regional median is 66 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Seabra, 37 km away (122 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Ruy Barbosa, 137 km away (401 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 Iraquara
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| 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 Iraquara water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 190 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.1 gpg, 10.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Iraquara 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 Iraquara water?
11.1 gpg, equal to 10.6 °dH, 19 °fH or 190 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Iraquara?
For 190 mg/L (10.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Iraquara?
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