Water hardness in Veliko Tarnovo
1.26 mmol/L hard
Tap water in Veliko Tarnovo is hard: 1.26 mmol/L (126 mg/L · 7.4 gpg · 7.1 °dH).
Source: ViK Veliko Tarnovo (Yovkovtsi OOD), laboratory page, table Tvardost na vodata (2025) · data checked 2026-10-22
ViK Veliko Tarnovo (Yovkovtsi OOD) lists 2.52 mgeq/L total hardness for Veliko Tarnovo on its laboratory page, which is about 126 mg/L CaCO3. The page is undated, so the 2025 date is inferred from the utility's 2025 annual quality file. The same value is printed for several nearby towns, so it looks like a system-wide figure and not a per-street one. Bulgarian rules list total hardness as a monitored parameter without a limit.
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 | 1.26 mmol/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Vodosnabdyavane i kanalizatsia Yovkovtsi OOD (ViK Veliko Tarnovo, vik-vt.com) |
How Veliko Tarnovo compares
- Tap water in Veliko Tarnovo is close to the median of the 26 cities we track in Bulgaria (1.26 mmol/L).
- By hardness it ranks 13 of 26 in Bulgaria (1 = hardest); 48 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Veliko Tarnovo province it is number 2 of 3 cities; the regional median is 1.26 mmol/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Kalofer, 74 km away (0.38 mmol/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Svishtov, 64 km away (2.47 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 Veliko Tarnovo
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Veliko Tarnovo water hard or soft?
It is hard: 126 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.4 gpg, 7.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Veliko Tarnovo 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 Veliko Tarnovo water?
7.4 gpg, equal to 7.1 °dH, 12.6 °fH or 126 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Veliko Tarnovo?
For 126 mg/L (7.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Veliko Tarnovo?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: ViK Veliko Tarnovo (Yovkovtsi OOD), laboratory page, table Tvardost na vodata (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. ViK Veliko Tarnovo (Yovkovtsi OOD), laboratory page, table Tvardost na vodata · Outdated figure? Tell us