Water hardness in Loures
58 mg/L soft
Tap water in Loures is soft: 58 mg/L (3.4 gpg · 3.2 °dH · 5.8 °fH).
Source: SIMAR Loures-Odivelas - Divulgacao dos dados da qualidade da agua, relatorio 2.o trimestre 2026, zona LO1 (2026-09) · data checked 2026-10-21
Range across supply zones: 53–63 mg/L.
Loures falls in supply zone LO1 of SIMAR Loures-Odivelas, which is the same zone as Odivelas, so both pages use the same figures. The Q2 2026 report, published in September, shows two analyses from 53 to 63 mg/L CaCO₃, and the 58 mg/L shown is the midpoint. This is soft water. Other zones in the SIMAR area may report different values.
Portuguese operators report "dureza total" in mg/L CaCO₃ to ERSAR.
Water data
| Total hardness | 58 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | SIMAR Loures-Odivelas |
How Loures compares
- Tap water in Loures is 30 % softer than the median of the 77 cities we track in Portugal (83 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 53 of 77 in Portugal (1 = hardest); 30 % of these cities have softer water.
- In 14 it is number 13 of 19 cities; the regional median is 75 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Alfornelos, 8 km away (42 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Ramada, 3 km away (75 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 Loures
| 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 Loures water hard or soft?
It is soft: 58 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.4 gpg, 3.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Loures 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 Loures water?
3.4 gpg, equal to 3.2 °dH, 5.8 °fH or 58 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Loures?
For 58 mg/L (3.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Loures?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: SIMAR Loures-Odivelas - Divulgacao dos dados da qualidade da agua, relatorio 2.o trimestre 2026, zona LO1 (2026-09). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. SIMAR Loures-Odivelas - Divulgacao dos dados da qualidade da agua, relatorio 2.o trimestre 2026, zona LO1 · Outdated figure? Tell us