Water hardness in Varkaus
2.7 °dH soft
Tap water in Varkaus is soft: 2.7 °dH (48 mg/L · 2.8 gpg · 4.8 °fH).
Source: Keski-Savon Vesi Oy - talousveden laatu (website) (2026) · data checked 2026-11-05
Range across supply zones: 30–65 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Kangaslampi | 1.7 | 30 | soft |
| Varkaus | 3.6 | 65 | moderately hard |
Keski-Savon Vesi prints approximate values for Varkaus: about 0.65 mmol/L (3.7 °dH) for the main supply, and about 0.30 mmol/L (2.0 °dH) for the Kangaslampi district. Both are soft. Other districts, such as Harjunranta, have no figure on the page. The values are undated, so treat them as indicative.
Finnish waterworks report hardness in °dH; most supplies are soft.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2.7 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Keski-Savon Vesi Oy |
How Varkaus compares
- Tap water in Varkaus is 23 % softer than the median of the 76 cities we track in Finland (3.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 64 of 76 in Finland (1 = hardest); 16 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Kuopio, 65 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 Varkaus
| 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 Varkaus water hard or soft?
It is soft: 48 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.8 gpg, 2.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Varkaus 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 Varkaus water?
2.8 gpg, equal to 2.7 °dH, 4.8 °fH or 48 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Varkaus?
For 48 mg/L (2.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Varkaus?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Keski-Savon Vesi Oy - talousveden laatu (website) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Keski-Savon Vesi Oy - talousveden laatu (website) · Outdated figure? Tell us