Water hardness in Split
361 mg/L very hard
Tap water in Split is very hard: 361 mg/L (21.1 gpg · 20.2 °dH · 36.1 °fH).
Source: VIK Split monthly lab results, Split ZO Jadro (Sept 2026) (2026-09) · data checked 2026-10-22
Range across supply zones: 294–447 mg/L.
Split is supplied through the Jadro system of VIK Split. The September 2026 report gives a monthly average of 361 mg/L at the SKRAPE sampling point, with a range of 294 to 447 mg/L. The report lists about 30 points in Split, but the text could not be reliably matched to them, so this is one point and not a city-wide figure. Hardness varies by month and by street.
Croatian suppliers report total hardness in mg/L CaCO₃ or °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 361 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Vodovod i kanalizacija d.o.o. Split (VIK Split) |
How Split compares
- Tap water in Split is 6 % harder than the median of the 13 cities we track in Croatia (339 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 5 of 13 in Croatia (1 = hardest); 67 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Splitsko-dalmatinska it is number 4 of 5 cities; the regional median is 366 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Šibenik, 51 km away (250 mg/L).
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Split
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 20 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 5 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Split water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 361 mg/L as CaCO₃ (21.1 gpg, 20.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Split safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Croatian suppliers report total hardness in mg/L CaCO₃ or °dH.
How many grains per gallon is Split water?
21.1 gpg, equal to 20.2 °dH, 36.1 °fH or 361 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Split?
For 361 mg/L (20.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Split?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: VIK Split monthly lab results, Split ZO Jadro (Sept 2026) (2026-09). Method: own measurement. VIK Split monthly lab results, Split ZO Jadro (Sept 2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us