Water hardness in Chaves
22 mg/L soft
Tap water in Chaves is soft: 22 mg/L (1.3 gpg · 1.2 °dH · 2.2 °fH).
Source: Câmara Municipal de Chaves - Edital 128/2019, Controlo da Qualidade da Água de Abastecimento Público, 3.º trimestre de 2019 (Sistema de Chaves) (2019) · data checked 2026-11-07
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
The only hardness figure we found for Chaves is the municipality's edital 128/2019, Q3 2019: 22 mg/L CaCO₃ from one analysis. It is about seven years old, so treat it as stale and check the municipal service for a newer report. At this level the water is very soft: limescale is unlikely, and soap lathers easily.
Portuguese operators report "dureza total" in mg/L CaCO₃ to ERSAR.
Water data
| Total hardness | 22 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Câmara Municipal de Chaves (sistema de Chaves) |
How Chaves compares
- Tap water in Chaves is 74 % softer than the median of the 77 cities we track in Portugal (83 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 74 of 77 in Portugal (1 = hardest); 4 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Guimarães, 76 km away (12 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Amarante, 73 km away (100 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 Chaves
| 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 Chaves water hard or soft?
It is soft: 22 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1.3 gpg, 1.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Chaves 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 Chaves water?
1.3 gpg, equal to 1.2 °dH, 2.2 °fH or 22 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Chaves?
For 22 mg/L (1.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Chaves?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Câmara Municipal de Chaves - Edital 128/2019, Controlo da Qualidade da Água de Abastecimento Público, 3.º trimestre de 2019 (Sistema de Chaves) (2019). Method: older figure, source currently unavailable. Câmara Municipal de Chaves - Edital 128/2019, Controlo da Qualidade da Água de Abastecimento Público, 3.º trimestre de 2019 (Sistema de Chaves) · Outdated figure? Tell us