Water hardness in Vila Franca de Xira
15 mg/L soft
Tap water in Vila Franca de Xira is soft: 15 mg/L (0.9 gpg · 0.9 °dH · 1.5 °fH).
Source: Camara Municipal de Vila Franca de Xira - Informacao anual dos parametros (potassio, calcio, magnesio e dureza total), ano 2025 (2025) · data checked 2026-11-07
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| mg/L | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Zona Alta da Vila e freguesias de R. Seca, R. Tainhas e P. Garca | 16 | 16 | soft |
| Zona Baixa da Vila | 15 | 15 | soft |
SMAS Vila Franca de Xira's 2025 annual report prints hardness of 15.3 mg/L CaCO₃ for the Zona Baixa da Vila, and 15.3 to 15.8 mg/L for the Zona Alta da Vila and nearby parishes. Each figure is one or two samples. This is very soft water. Scale is rarely a problem, and soap and detergent lather easily.
Portuguese operators report "dureza total" in mg/L CaCO₃ to ERSAR.
Water data
| Total hardness | 15 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | SMAS Vila Franca de Xira (Camara Municipal) |
How Vila Franca de Xira compares
- Tap water in Vila Franca de Xira is 82 % softer than the median of the 77 cities we track in Portugal (83 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 76 of 77 in Portugal (1 = hardest); 1 % of these cities have softer water.
- In 14 it is number 19 of 19 cities; the regional median is 75 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Santa Iria da Azóia, 16 km away (75 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 Vila Franca de Xira
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 1 °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 Vila Franca de Xira water hard or soft?
It is soft: 15 mg/L as CaCO₃ (0.9 gpg, 0.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Vila Franca de Xira 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 Vila Franca de Xira water?
0.9 gpg, equal to 0.9 °dH, 1.5 °fH or 15 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Vila Franca de Xira?
For 15 mg/L (0.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Vila Franca de Xira?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Camara Municipal de Vila Franca de Xira - Informacao anual dos parametros (potassio, calcio, magnesio e dureza total), ano 2025 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Camara Municipal de Vila Franca de Xira - Informacao anual dos parametros (potassio, calcio, magnesio e dureza total), ano 2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us