Water hardness in Quelfes
92 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Quelfes is moderately hard: 92 mg/L (5.4 gpg · 5.2 °dH · 9.2 °fH).
Source: Aguas do Algarve Edital 2T 2021, Ponto de Entrega de Olhao (2021) · data checked 2026-11-07
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Quelfes is named in the Águas do Algarve edital for the Olhão delivery point, Q2 2021, which prints one hardness analysis of 92 mg/L CaCO₃. The result is from 2021, so treat it as stale. It is a bulk delivery point, and we have not confirmed how the local network distributes it. Moderate hardness means kettles need occasional descaling.
Portuguese operators report "dureza total" in mg/L CaCO₃ to ERSAR.
Water data
| Total hardness | 92 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Aguas do Algarve S.A. |
How Quelfes compares
- Tap water in Quelfes is 10 % harder than the median of the 77 cities we track in Portugal (83 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 29 of 77 in Portugal (1 = hardest); 62 % of these cities have softer water.
- In 09 it is number 3 of 6 cities; the regional median is 92 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Porto de Mós, 77 km away (64 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Portimão, 64 km away (120 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 Quelfes
| 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 Quelfes water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 92 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.4 gpg, 5.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Quelfes 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 Quelfes water?
5.4 gpg, equal to 5.2 °dH, 9.2 °fH or 92 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Quelfes?
For 92 mg/L (5.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Quelfes?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Aguas do Algarve Edital 2T 2021, Ponto de Entrega de Olhao (2021). Method: older figure, source currently unavailable. Aguas do Algarve Edital 2T 2021, Ponto de Entrega de Olhao · Outdated figure? Tell us