Water hardness in Queluz
50 mg/L soft
Tap water in Queluz is soft: 50 mg/L (2.9 gpg · 2.8 °dH · 5 °fH).
Source: SMAS Sintra - Controlo e divulgacao de dados da qualidade da agua (table by freguesia) (2024-06) · data checked 2026-10-21
Range across supply zones: 40–60 mg/L.
SMAS Sintra publishes hardness by parish in a table dated 6 June 2024. For Queluz-Belas it prints a range of 40 to 60 mg/L CaCO₃, and the 50 mg/L shown is the midpoint. The same table range applies to the other Sintra-area towns here, and a 2026 SMAS zone report with one analysis of 42 mg/L falls inside it. Water this soft leaves little scale.
Portuguese operators report "dureza total" in mg/L CaCO₃ to ERSAR.
Water data
| Total hardness | 50 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | SMAS Sintra (freguesia Queluz-Belas) |
How Queluz compares
- Tap water in Queluz is 40 % softer than the median of the 77 cities we track in Portugal (83 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 56 of 77 in Portugal (1 = hardest); 21 % of these cities have softer water.
- In 14 it is number 15 of 19 cities; the regional median is 75 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Vila Franca de Xira, 32 km away (15 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Pontinha, 5 km away (86 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 Queluz
| 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 Queluz water hard or soft?
It is soft: 50 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.9 gpg, 2.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Queluz 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 Queluz water?
2.9 gpg, equal to 2.8 °dH, 5 °fH or 50 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Queluz?
For 50 mg/L (2.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Queluz?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: SMAS Sintra - Controlo e divulgacao de dados da qualidade da agua (table by freguesia) (2024-06). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. SMAS Sintra - Controlo e divulgacao de dados da qualidade da agua (table by freguesia) · Outdated figure? Tell us