Water hardness in Pombal
46 mg/L soft
Tap water in Pombal is soft: 46 mg/L (2.7 gpg · 2.6 °dH · 4.6 °fH).
Source: Municipio de Pombal - Dados do controlo da qualidade da agua em alta, 2.o trimestre 2025, Mata do Urso / Pombal (2025-07) · data checked 2026-11-07
The figure for Pombal is 46 mg/L CaCO₃, from one analysis in the Q2 2025 report on the Mata do Urso / Pombal supply point, where the municipality delivers water to Águas da Figueira. It is a bulk point, not a household tap, and we did not check later quarters. This is soft water, so scale builds up slowly.
Portuguese operators report "dureza total" in mg/L CaCO₃ to ERSAR.
Water data
| Total hardness | 46 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Municipio de Pombal (bulk to Aguas da Figueira); Mata do Urso / Pombal zone |
How Pombal compares
- Tap water in Pombal is 45 % softer than the median of the 77 cities we track in Portugal (83 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 62 of 77 in Portugal (1 = hardest); 20 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Coimbra, 37 km away (35 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Marinha Grande, 32 km away (74 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 Pombal
| 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 Pombal water hard or soft?
It is soft: 46 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.7 gpg, 2.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Pombal 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 Pombal water?
2.7 gpg, equal to 2.6 °dH, 4.6 °fH or 46 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Pombal?
For 46 mg/L (2.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Pombal?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Municipio de Pombal - Dados do controlo da qualidade da agua em alta, 2.o trimestre 2025, Mata do Urso / Pombal (2025-07). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Municipio de Pombal - Dados do controlo da qualidade da agua em alta, 2.o trimestre 2025, Mata do Urso / Pombal · Outdated figure? Tell us