Water hardness in Kemi
7.5 °dH hard
Tap water in Kemi is hard: 7.5 °dH (134 mg/L · 7.8 gpg · 13.4 °fH).
Source: Kenve Oy, Kayttotarkkailu Verkostovesi 01.09.2026-30.09.2026 (Kemi) (2026-09) · data checked 2026-11-05
Range across supply zones: 132–135 mg/L.
Kenve, the utility that grew out of Kemin Energia ja Vesi, publishes monthly monitoring for the Kemi network. The September 2026 sheet prints a mean of 1.34 mmol/L (7.48 °dH), with a minimum of 1.32 and a maximum of 1.35. That is medium-hard water, harder than most Finnish cities in this data. Expect limescale to show on kettles and shower screens over time.
Finnish waterworks report hardness in °dH; most supplies are soft.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Oulun Energia Kenve Oy (Kenve, ex Kemin Energia ja Vesi Oy) |
How Kemi compares
- Tap water in Kemi is 117 % harder than the median of the 76 cities we track in Finland (3.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 2 of 76 in Finland (1 = hardest); 99 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Ii, 60 km away (4.4 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Finland →
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 Kemi
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °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 Kemi water hard or soft?
It is hard: 134 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.8 gpg, 7.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Kemi 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 Kemi water?
7.8 gpg, equal to 7.5 °dH, 13.4 °fH or 134 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Kemi?
For 134 mg/L (7.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Kemi?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Kenve Oy, Kayttotarkkailu Verkostovesi 01.09.2026-30.09.2026 (Kemi) (2026-09). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Kenve Oy, Kayttotarkkailu Verkostovesi 01.09.2026-30.09.2026 (Kemi) · Outdated figure? Tell us