Water hardness in Krichim
1.47 mmol/L hard
Tap water in Krichim is hard: 1.47 mmol/L (147 mg/L · 8.6 gpg · 8.2 °dH).
Source: ViK Plovdiv, Обща твърдост по населени места (2026) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 144–150 mg/L.
Bulgarian health inspectorates report hardness in mgeq/L (1 mgeq/L = 0.5 mmol/L); the limit is 12 mgeq/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 1.47 mmol/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | ViK Plovdiv |
How Krichim compares
- Tap water in Krichim is 17 % harder than the median of the 26 cities we track in Bulgaria (1.26 mmol/L).
- By hardness it ranks 11 of 26 in Bulgaria (1 = hardest); 60 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Plovdiv it is number 10 of 15 cities; the regional median is 1.78 mmol/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Devin, 35 km away (0.62 mmol/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Stamboliyski, 11 km away (2.37 mmol/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Bulgaria →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Krichim
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H2 |
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 Krichim water hard or soft?
It is hard: 147 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.6 gpg, 8.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Krichim safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Bulgarian health inspectorates report hardness in mgeq/L (1 mgeq/L = 0.5 mmol/L); the limit is 12 mgeq/L.
How many grains per gallon is Krichim water?
8.6 gpg, equal to 8.2 °dH, 14.7 °fH or 147 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Krichim?
For 147 mg/L (8.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Krichim?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: ViK Plovdiv, Обща твърдост по населени места (2026). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. ViK Plovdiv, Обща твърдост по населени места · Outdated figure? Tell us