Water hardness in Ovar
20 mg/L soft
Tap water in Ovar is soft: 20 mg/L (1.2 gpg · 1.1 °dH · 2 °fH).
Source: ADP - Qualidade da água para consumo humano, 2.º trimestre 2026 (Ovar) (2026-09) · data checked 2026-10-29
ADP's Q2 2026 report for Ovar, published in September, prints one hardness analysis: 20 mg/L CaCO₃ at the bulk delivery point. A single result is a snapshot, not an average. This is very soft water, so limescale is rarely a concern in kettles, showers or heaters.
Portuguese operators report "dureza total" in mg/L CaCO₃ to ERSAR.
Water data
| Total hardness | 20 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Águas do Douro e Paiva (ADP), concelho Ovar |
How Ovar compares
- Tap water in Ovar is 76 % softer than the median of the 77 cities we track in Portugal (83 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 75 of 77 in Portugal (1 = hardest); 3 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Aveiro it is number 6 of 6 cities; the regional median is 97 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Guimarães, 71 km away (12 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Santa Maria da Feira, 10 km away (114 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 Ovar
| 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 Ovar water hard or soft?
It is soft: 20 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1.2 gpg, 1.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Ovar 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 Ovar water?
1.2 gpg, equal to 1.1 °dH, 2 °fH or 20 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Ovar?
For 20 mg/L (1.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Ovar?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: ADP - Qualidade da água para consumo humano, 2.º trimestre 2026 (Ovar) (2026-09). Method: figure published by the water supplier. ADP - Qualidade da água para consumo humano, 2.º trimestre 2026 (Ovar) · Outdated figure? Tell us