Water hardness in Orleans
17 mg/L soft
Tap water in Orleans is soft: 17 mg/L (1 gpg · 1 °dH · 1.7 °fH).
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Samae), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 9–121 mg/L.
Orleans, in Santa Catarina, is supplied by Samae. The 2025 Ministry of Health control data report 17.0 milligrams per litre, which is soft. Readings range widely, from 9.3 to 121.4, so some samples are far harder than the typical value.
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 | 17 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Samae |
How Orleans compares
- Tap water in Orleans is 60 % softer than the median of the 1915 cities we track in Brazil (43 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 1636 of 1915 in Brazil (1 = hardest); 14 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Santa Catarina it is number 177 of 238 cities; the regional median is 34 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: São Ludgero, 18 km away (13 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Grão-Pará, 19 km away (37 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 Orleans
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 1 °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 Orleans water hard or soft?
It is soft: 17 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1 gpg, 1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Orleans 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 Orleans water?
1 gpg, equal to 1 °dH, 1.7 °fH or 17 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Orleans?
For 17 mg/L (1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Orleans?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Samae), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Samae), CC BY-ND 3.0 · Outdated figure? Tell us