Water hardness in Faro
92 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Faro is moderately hard: 92 mg/L (5.4 gpg · 5.2 °dH · 9.2 °fH).
Source: Águas do Algarve - Edital do 2º Trimestre 2026, Ponto de Entrega de Faro (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-21
Águas do Algarve's Q2 2026 notice prints 92 mg/L CaCO₃ for the Faro delivery point, from one analysis. That is the bulk delivery point serving parts of the municipality, not a measurement at every tap. It counts as moderate hardness, so descaling a kettle or coffee machine now and then is usually enough.
Portuguese operators report "dureza total" in mg/L CaCO₃ to ERSAR.
Water data
| Total hardness | 92 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Águas do Algarve |
How Faro compares
- Tap water in Faro is 10 % harder than the median of the 77 cities we track in Portugal (83 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 29 of 77 in Portugal (1 = hardest); 62 % of these cities have softer water.
- In 09 it is number 3 of 6 cities; the regional median is 92 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Porto de Mós, 68 km away (64 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Portimão, 56 km away (120 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 Faro
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °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 Faro water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 92 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.4 gpg, 5.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Faro 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 Faro water?
5.4 gpg, equal to 5.2 °dH, 9.2 °fH or 92 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Faro?
For 92 mg/L (5.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Faro?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Águas do Algarve - Edital do 2º Trimestre 2026, Ponto de Entrega de Faro (2026-06). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Águas do Algarve - Edital do 2º Trimestre 2026, Ponto de Entrega de Faro · Outdated figure? Tell us