Water hardness in Sacavém
75 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Sacavém is moderately hard: 75 mg/L (4.4 gpg · 4.2 °dH · 7.5 °fH).
Source: SIMAR Loures-Odivelas - Divulgacao dos dados da qualidade da agua, relatorio 4.o trimestre 2022, Zona 1 LO1 (2022-12) · data checked 2026-11-07
Range across supply zones: 65–85 mg/L.
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Sacavém is in zone LO1 of SIMAR Loures-Odivelas. The Q4 2022 report prints 65 to 85 mg/L CaCO₃ across 3 analyses, and the 75 mg/L shown is the midpoint. A Q3 2022 report printed 89 and 90. The data is stale and zone-wide, not specific to Sacavém. Moderate hardness means light scale on taps and kettles.
Portuguese operators report "dureza total" in mg/L CaCO₃ to ERSAR.
Water data
| Total hardness | 75 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | SIMAR Loures-Odivelas (zona de abastecimento LO1, Zona 1) |
How Sacavém compares
- Tap water in Sacavém is 10 % softer than the median of the 77 cities we track in Portugal (83 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 45 of 77 in Portugal (1 = hardest); 38 % of these cities have softer water.
- In 14 it is number 8 of 19 cities; the regional median is 75 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Loures, 7 km away (58 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Barreiro, 15 km away (150 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 Sacavém
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 1st |
| 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 Sacavém water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 75 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.4 gpg, 4.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Sacavém 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 Sacavém water?
4.4 gpg, equal to 4.2 °dH, 7.5 °fH or 75 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Sacavém?
For 75 mg/L (4.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Sacavém?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: SIMAR Loures-Odivelas - Divulgacao dos dados da qualidade da agua, relatorio 4.o trimestre 2022, Zona 1 LO1 (2022-12). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. SIMAR Loures-Odivelas - Divulgacao dos dados da qualidade da agua, relatorio 4.o trimestre 2022, Zona 1 LO1 · Outdated figure? Tell us