Water hardness in São Joaquim
15 mg/L soft
Tap water in São Joaquim is soft: 15 mg/L (0.9 gpg · 0.9 °dH · 1.5 °fH).
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia Catarinense De Aguas E Saneamento), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 4–56 mg/L.
São Joaquim is in Santa Catarina and is served by Companhia Catarinense De Aguas E Saneamento. Reported hardness is 15.2 mg/L, soft, though readings range from 3.6 to 55.5 mg/L. The data are from SISAGUA, 2025.
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 | 15 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Companhia Catarinense De Aguas E Saneamento |
How São Joaquim compares
- Tap water in São Joaquim is 64 % softer than the median of the 1915 cities we track in Brazil (43 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 1685 of 1915 in Brazil (1 = hardest); 12 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Santa Catarina it is number 191 of 238 cities; the regional median is 34 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Bom Jardim da Serra, 36 km away (12 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Urupema, 30 km away (72 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 São Joaquim
| 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 São Joaquim water hard or soft?
It is soft: 15 mg/L as CaCO₃ (0.9 gpg, 0.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in São Joaquim 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 São Joaquim water?
0.9 gpg, equal to 0.9 °dH, 1.5 °fH or 15 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in São Joaquim?
For 15 mg/L (0.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in São Joaquim?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia Catarinense De Aguas E Saneamento), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia Catarinense De Aguas E Saneamento), CC BY-ND 3.0 · Outdated figure? Tell us