Water hardness in Alcabideche
289 mg/L very hard
Tap water in Alcabideche is very hard: 289 mg/L (16.9 gpg · 16.2 °dH · 28.9 °fH).
Source: Águas de Cascais - Controlo de qualidade da água de 2024 (Ca, Mg, dureza, K por zona) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 269–309 mg/L.
Alcabideche is listed in Zona 4 of the Águas de Cascais 2024 zone table, with hardness of 269 to 309 mg/L CaCO₃. The 289 mg/L shown is the midpoint. This is far above the concelho-wide range of 52 to 163 mg/L in the Q2 2026 report, so neighbouring parishes in Cascais can have much softer water. At this level water is very hard: scale forms quickly on heaters and fittings.
Portuguese operators report "dureza total" in mg/L CaCO₃ to ERSAR.
Water data
| Total hardness | 289 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Águas de Cascais |
How Alcabideche compares
- Tap water in Alcabideche is 247 % harder than the median of the 77 cities we track in Portugal (83 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 1 of 77 in Portugal (1 = hardest); 100 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Lisboa it is number 1 of 13 cities; the regional median is 50 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Estoril, 3 km away (90 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Portugal →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Alcabideche
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 16 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Alcabideche water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 289 mg/L as CaCO₃ (16.9 gpg, 16.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Alcabideche safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Portuguese operators report "dureza total" in mg/L CaCO₃ to ERSAR.
How many grains per gallon is Alcabideche water?
16.9 gpg, equal to 16.2 °dH, 28.9 °fH or 289 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Alcabideche?
For 289 mg/L (16.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Alcabideche?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Águas de Cascais - Controlo de qualidade da água de 2024 (Ca, Mg, dureza, K por zona) (2024). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Águas de Cascais - Controlo de qualidade da água de 2024 (Ca, Mg, dureza, K por zona) · Outdated figure? Tell us