Water hardness in Imatra
4.5 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Imatra is moderately hard: 4.5 °dH (80 mg/L · 4.7 gpg · 8 °fH).
Source: Imatran talousvesitarkkailun vuosiyhteenveto 2024 (Savo-Karjalan Ympäristötutkimus Oy) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-29
Imatra's tap water is supplied by Imatran Vesi through the Immala waterworks. The 2024 annual monitoring summary reports 79.8 mg/L as CaCO3, which puts it in the moderate band. The report does not break the figure down by supply zone, so treat it as a town-wide value.
Finnish waterworks report hardness in °dH; most supplies are soft.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 19.75 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 7.3 |
| Utility | Imatran Vesi - Immalan vesilaitos |
How Imatra compares
- Tap water in Imatra is 29 % harder than the median of the 76 cities we track in Finland (3.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 19 of 76 in Finland (1 = hardest); 76 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Lappeenranta, 33 km away (2.9 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Finland →
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 Imatra
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 1st |
| 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 Imatra water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 80 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.7 gpg, 4.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Imatra 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 Imatra water?
4.7 gpg, equal to 4.5 °dH, 8 °fH or 80 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Imatra?
For 80 mg/L (4.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Imatra?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Imatran talousvesitarkkailun vuosiyhteenveto 2024 (Savo-Karjalan Ympäristötutkimus Oy) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Imatran talousvesitarkkailun vuosiyhteenveto 2024 (Savo-Karjalan Ympäristötutkimus Oy) · Outdated figure? Tell us