Water hardness in Massamá
50 mg/L soft
Tap water in Massamá is soft: 50 mg/L (2.9 gpg · 2.8 °dH · 5 °fH).
Source: SMAS Sintra - Dureza por freguesia (atualizado 06/06/2024) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 40–60 mg/L.
SMAS Sintra's parish table, dated 6 June 2024, lists Massamá-Monte Abraão at 40 to 60 mg/L CaCO₃. The 50 mg/L shown is the midpoint, not a single measurement. The table is older than the 2026 quarterly reports, which do not print hardness by parish. Soft water means little scale and low detergent needs.
Portuguese operators report "dureza total" in mg/L CaCO₃ to ERSAR.
Water data
| Total hardness | 50 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | SMAS Sintra |
How Massamá compares
- Tap water in Massamá is 40 % softer than the median of the 77 cities we track in Portugal (83 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 56 of 77 in Portugal (1 = hardest); 21 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Lisboa it is number 6 of 13 cities; the regional median is 50 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Vila Franca de Xira, 34 km away (15 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Pontinha, 7 km away (86 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 Massamá
| 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 Massamá water hard or soft?
It is soft: 50 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.9 gpg, 2.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Massamá 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 Massamá water?
2.9 gpg, equal to 2.8 °dH, 5 °fH or 50 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Massamá?
For 50 mg/L (2.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Massamá?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: SMAS Sintra - Dureza por freguesia (atualizado 06/06/2024) (2024). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. SMAS Sintra - Dureza por freguesia (atualizado 06/06/2024) · Outdated figure? Tell us