Water hardness in Barco de Valdeorras, O
9.7 °fH moderately hard
Tap water in Barco de Valdeorras, O is moderately hard: 9.7 °fH (97 mg/L · 5.7 gpg · 5.4 °dH).
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 32009 (2026-10) · data checked 2026-10-19
The hardness recorded in SINAC for O Barco de Valdeorras is 97 mg/L CaCO₃, based on October 2026 data. Galicia sits on granite and schist that dissolve poorly, and its water comes from rivers and upland sources with very little calcium and magnesium. Limescale is hardly noticeable at this level, and most households do not need a softener.
Fuentes españolas usan °fH (grados hidrotimétricos franceses) o mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9.7 °fH |
|---|
How Barco de Valdeorras, O compares
- Tap water in Barco de Valdeorras, O is 52 % softer than the median of the 4988 cities we track in Spain (20.1 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 3607 of 4988 in Spain (1 = hardest); 27 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Ourense it is number 1 of 60 cities; the regional median is 1.9 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Vilamartín de Valdeorras, 7 km away (4.7 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Corullón, 18 km away (15.7 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Spain →
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 Barco de Valdeorras, O
| 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 Barco de Valdeorras, O water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 97 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.7 gpg, 5.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Barco de Valdeorras, O safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Fuentes españolas usan °fH (grados hidrotimétricos franceses) o mg/L CaCO₃.
How many grains per gallon is Barco de Valdeorras, O water?
5.7 gpg, equal to 5.4 °dH, 9.7 °fH or 97 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Barco de Valdeorras, O?
For 97 mg/L (5.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Barco de Valdeorras, O?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 32009 (2026-10). Method: own measurement. SINAC, Ministerio de Sanidad — Información de un abastecimiento, municipio 32009 · Outdated figure? Tell us