Water hardness in Aveiro
59 mg/L soft
Tap water in Aveiro is soft: 59 mg/L (3.4 gpg · 3.3 °dH · 5.9 °fH).
Source: AdRA - Dureza da Água por zona de abastecimento 2023 (2023) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 34–84 mg/L.
Aveiro is supplied by its local water utility. Northern and central Portugal sit largely on granite and schist, which gives soft water, while limestone in the south and centre makes it harder. The reported hardness is 59.0 mg/L CaCO₃, with measurements from 34.0 to 84.0 mg/L. This figure dates from 2023 and may have changed. Scale builds up slowly, so a softener is rarely needed.
Portuguese operators report "dureza total" in mg/L CaCO₃ to ERSAR.
Water data
| Total hardness | 59 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | AdRA - Águas da Região de Aveiro |
How Aveiro compares
- Tap water in Aveiro is 29 % softer than the median of the 77 cities we track in Portugal (83 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 52 of 77 in Portugal (1 = hardest); 33 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Aveiro it is number 5 of 6 cities; the regional median is 97 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Ovar, 24 km away (20 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Oliveira de Azeméis, 26 km away (98 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Portugal →
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 Aveiro
| 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 Aveiro water hard or soft?
It is soft: 59 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.4 gpg, 3.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Aveiro 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 Aveiro water?
3.4 gpg, equal to 3.3 °dH, 5.9 °fH or 59 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Aveiro?
For 59 mg/L (3.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Aveiro?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: AdRA - Dureza da Água por zona de abastecimento 2023 (2023). Method: figure published by the water supplier. AdRA - Dureza da Água por zona de abastecimento 2023 · Outdated figure? Tell us