Water hardness in Angola
5 gpg moderately hard
Tap water in Angola is moderately hard: 5 gpg (86 mg/L · 4.8 °dH · 8.6 °fH).
Source: City of Angola Water Department (2026) · data checked 2026-11-12
The City of Angola Water Department states a treated average of 5 gpg (about 86 mg/L) after ion-exchange softening at the plant. Untreated well water is much harder, 18 to 31 gpg, so the figure is for water leaving the system, not the raw supply. The department page is undated, so the year shown is inferred and should be confirmed. A home softener would add little at this level.
USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5 gpg |
|---|
How Angola compares
- Tap water in Angola is 45 % softer than the median of the 1372 cities we track in the United States (9.1 gpg).
- By hardness it ranks 1084 of 1372 in the United States (1 = hardest); 21 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Indiana it is number 40 of 40 cities; the regional median is 20 gpg.
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United States →
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 Angola
| 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 Angola water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 86 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5 gpg, 4.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Angola safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. USGS classes: soft 0–60, moderately hard 61–120, hard 121–180, very hard >180 mg/L.
How many grains per gallon is Angola water?
5 gpg, equal to 4.8 °dH, 8.6 °fH or 86 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Angola?
For 86 mg/L (4.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Angola?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: City of Angola Water Department (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. City of Angola Water Department · Outdated figure? Tell us