Water hardness in Iisalmi
3.1 °dH soft
Tap water in Iisalmi is soft: 3.1 °dH (55 mg/L · 3.2 gpg · 5.5 °fH).
Source: Ylä-Savon Vesi, Usein kysyttyä (2026) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 54–57 mg/L.
Iisalmi's water is supplied by Ylä-Savon Vesi. We computed 55.3 mg/L from the utility's published calcium and magnesium values, within a range of 53.6 to 57.1 mg/L. That is soft water with little variation. The figure is calculated, not a direct hardness measurement.
Finnish waterworks report hardness in °dH; most supplies are soft.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.1 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Ylä-Savon Vesi / Iisalmen Vesi |
How Iisalmi compares
- Tap water in Iisalmi is 11 % softer than the median of the 76 cities we track in Finland (3.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 43 of 76 in Finland (1 = hardest); 43 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Kajaani, 79 km away (2 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Kuopio, 78 km away (3.9 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Finland →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Iisalmi
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Iisalmi water hard or soft?
It is soft: 55 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.2 gpg, 3.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Iisalmi safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Finnish waterworks report hardness in °dH; most supplies are soft.
How many grains per gallon is Iisalmi water?
3.2 gpg, equal to 3.1 °dH, 5.5 °fH or 55 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Iisalmi?
For 55 mg/L (3.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Iisalmi?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Ylä-Savon Vesi, Usein kysyttyä (2026). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Ylä-Savon Vesi, Usein kysyttyä · Outdated figure? Tell us