Water hardness in Penafiel
55 mg/L soft
Tap water in Penafiel is soft: 55 mg/L (3.2 gpg · 3.1 °dH · 5.5 °fH).
Source: ADP - Qualidade da água para consumo humano, 2.º trimestre 2026 (Penafiel) (2026-08) · data checked 2026-10-29
Penafiel is supplied through ADP. The Q2 2026 report prints one hardness analysis of 55 mg/L CaCO₃ at the bulk delivery point. A single result may differ from the next quarter's. At this level water is soft, so scale is mild and detergent doses can usually be kept low.
Portuguese operators report "dureza total" in mg/L CaCO₃ to ERSAR.
Water data
| Total hardness | 55 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Águas do Douro e Paiva (ADP), concelho Penafiel |
How Penafiel compares
- Tap water in Penafiel is 34 % softer than the median of the 77 cities we track in Portugal (83 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 55 of 77 in Portugal (1 = hardest); 29 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Porto it is number 13 of 14 cities; the regional median is 98 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Baião, 21 km away (26 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Amarante, 18 km away (100 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 Penafiel
| 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 Penafiel water hard or soft?
It is soft: 55 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.2 gpg, 3.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Penafiel 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 Penafiel water?
3.2 gpg, equal to 3.1 °dH, 5.5 °fH or 55 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Penafiel?
For 55 mg/L (3.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Penafiel?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: ADP - Qualidade da água para consumo humano, 2.º trimestre 2026 (Penafiel) (2026-08). Method: figure published by the water supplier. ADP - Qualidade da água para consumo humano, 2.º trimestre 2026 (Penafiel) · Outdated figure? Tell us