Water hardness in Portalegre
87 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Portalegre is moderately hard: 87 mg/L (5.1 gpg · 4.8 °dH · 8.7 °fH).
Source: Camara Municipal de Portalegre - Edital 02 SMAT, 2022 (2022) · data checked 2026-11-05
Range across supply zones: 43–130 mg/L.
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Portalegre's water is managed by the municipal service (SMAT). The 2022 notice gives a computed median of 86.5 mg/L CaCO₃, moderate, with values ranging from 43 to 130 mg/L across the network. That spread means households in different parts of the town may see noticeably different scale. The data is from 2022, so a newer report may differ.
Portuguese operators report "dureza total" in mg/L CaCO₃ to ERSAR.
Water data
| Total hardness | 87 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Camara Municipal de Portalegre (SMAT, municipal network) |
How Portalegre compares
- Tap water in Portalegre is close to the median of the 77 cities we track in Portugal (83 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 35 of 77 in Portugal (1 = hardest); 55 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Pombal, 124 km away (46 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Évora, 91 km away (140 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Portugal →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Portalegre
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Portalegre water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 87 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.1 gpg, 4.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Portalegre 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 Portalegre water?
5.1 gpg, equal to 4.8 °dH, 8.7 °fH or 87 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Portalegre?
For 87 mg/L (4.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Portalegre?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Camara Municipal de Portalegre - Edital 02 SMAT, 2022 (2022). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Camara Municipal de Portalegre - Edital 02 SMAT, 2022 · Outdated figure? Tell us