Water hardness in Fânzeres
100 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Fânzeres is moderately hard: 100 mg/L (5.8 gpg · 5.6 °dH · 10 °fH).
Source: Águas de Gondomar - Qualidade da nossa água (2026) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 88–112 mg/L.
Águas de Gondomar's quality page lists the Fânzeres and São Pedro da Cova parishes at 88 to 112 mg/L CaCO₃, with a mean of 100 mg/L. The table does not state a period, though 2026 quarterly reports are linked from it. ADP's bulk deliveries to Gondomar are not Fânzeres-specific and are not used. At this moderate level, scale builds up slowly.
Portuguese operators report "dureza total" in mg/L CaCO₃ to ERSAR.
Water data
| Total hardness | 100 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Águas de Gondomar |
How Fânzeres compares
- Tap water in Fânzeres is 20 % harder than the median of the 77 cities we track in Portugal (83 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 12 of 77 in Portugal (1 = hardest); 84 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Porto it is number 1 of 14 cities; the regional median is 98 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Penafiel, 21 km away (55 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Portugal →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Fânzeres
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 6 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Fânzeres water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 100 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.8 gpg, 5.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Fânzeres 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 Fânzeres water?
5.8 gpg, equal to 5.6 °dH, 10 °fH or 100 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Fânzeres?
For 100 mg/L (5.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Fânzeres?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Águas de Gondomar - Qualidade da nossa água (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Águas de Gondomar - Qualidade da nossa água · Outdated figure? Tell us