Water hardness in São José do Norte
174 mg/L hard
Tap water in São José do Norte is hard: 174 mg/L (10.2 gpg · 9.7 °dH · 17.4 °fH).
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia Riograndense De Saneamento), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 102–175 mg/L.
Companhia Riograndense De Saneamento supplies São José do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul. The 2026 median is 173.9 mg/L, which is hard, with a range of 101.8 to 174.6 mg/L, so scale build-up in kettles and heaters is likely.
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 | 174 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Companhia Riograndense De Saneamento |
How São José do Norte compares
- Tap water in São José do Norte is 309 % harder than the median of the 1915 cities we track in Brazil (43 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 47 of 1915 in Brazil (1 = hardest); 98 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Rio Grande do Sul it is number 5 of 244 cities; the regional median is 60 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Pelotas, 60 km away (23 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Brazil →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in São José do Norte
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 10 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| 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 São José do Norte water hard or soft?
It is hard: 174 mg/L as CaCO₃ (10.2 gpg, 9.7 °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 José do Norte 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 José do Norte water?
10.2 gpg, equal to 9.7 °dH, 17.4 °fH or 174 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in São José do Norte?
For 174 mg/L (9.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in São José do Norte?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia Riograndense De Saneamento), CC BY-ND 3.0 (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Ministério da Saúde, SISAGUA – controle semestral (Companhia Riograndense De Saneamento), CC BY-ND 3.0 · Outdated figure? Tell us