Water hardness in Malhada
46 mg/L soft
Tap water in Malhada is soft: 46 mg/L (2.7 gpg · 2.6 °dH · 4.6 °fH).
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Empresa Baiana De Aguas E Saneamento Sa), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 38–67 mg/L.
Malhada, in Bahia, is supplied by Empresa Baiana de Águas e Saneamento. The 2025 Ministry of Health monitoring data give a median of 46.3 mg/L as CaCO₃, with samples from 37.6 to 66.5 mg/L, which is soft. The spread is fairly narrow, so readings should be similar across the town.
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 | 46 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Empresa Baiana De Aguas E Saneamento Sa |
How Malhada compares
- Tap water in Malhada is 9 % harder than the median of the 1915 cities we track in Brazil (43 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 874 of 1915 in Brazil (1 = hardest); 54 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bahia it is number 102 of 148 cities; the regional median is 66 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: São Félix do Coribe, 94 km away (23 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Guanambi, 87 km away (102 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 Malhada
| 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 Malhada water hard or soft?
It is soft: 46 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.7 gpg, 2.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Malhada 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 Malhada water?
2.7 gpg, equal to 2.6 °dH, 4.6 °fH or 46 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Malhada?
For 46 mg/L (2.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Malhada?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Empresa Baiana De Aguas E Saneamento Sa), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2025). 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