Water hardness in Monte Alto
62 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Monte Alto is moderately hard: 62 mg/L (3.6 gpg · 3.5 °dH · 6.2 °fH).
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia De Saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 49–75 mg/L.
Monte Alto, in São Paulo state, is served by Sabesp. SISAGUA samples for 2025 give a median of 62.0 mg/L as CaCO₃, with a range of 49.0 to 75.0 mg/L, which is moderate. The range suggests values differ a little between sampling points. Some scale on heating elements is possible, but it builds slowly.
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 | 62 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Companhia De Saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo |
How Monte Alto compares
- Tap water in Monte Alto is 46 % harder than the median of the 1915 cities we track in Brazil (43 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 581 of 1915 in Brazil (1 = hardest); 70 % of these cities have softer water.
- In São Paulo it is number 161 of 530 cities; the regional median is 42 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Palmares Paulista, 32 km away (22 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Santa Adélia, 29 km away (80 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Brazil →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Monte Alto
| 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 Monte Alto water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 62 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.6 gpg, 3.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Monte Alto 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 Monte Alto water?
3.6 gpg, equal to 3.5 °dH, 6.2 °fH or 62 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Monte Alto?
For 62 mg/L (3.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Monte Alto?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia De Saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia De Saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo), CC BY-ND 3.0 · Outdated figure? Tell us