Water hardness in Zalkod
10.9 °dH very hard
Tap water in Zalkod is very hard: 10.9 °dH (195 mg/L · 11.4 gpg · 19.4 °fH).
Source: NNGYK — Magyarországi települések ivóvízminősége (HUMVI 2024) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-21
NNGYK's 2024 data report 194.5 mg/L CaCO₃ for Zalkod in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, which falls in the very hard category in our scale. The supply source is not confirmed here. Some scale on taps and in kettles should be expected.
Hungarian suppliers report total hardness in German degrees (nk°) or mg/L CaO; the limit is 50–350 mg/L CaO.
Water data
| Total hardness | 10.9 °dH |
|---|
How Zalkod compares
- Tap water in Zalkod is 32 % softer than the median of the 3053 cities we track in Hungary (16.1 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 2397 of 3053 in Hungary (1 = hardest); 21 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén it is number 324 of 365 cities; the regional median is 16.4 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Baskó, 19 km away (8.5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Szabolcs, 2 km away (18.7 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Hungary →
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 Zalkod
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Zalkod water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 195 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.4 gpg, 10.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Zalkod safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Hungarian suppliers report total hardness in German degrees (nk°) or mg/L CaO; the limit is 50–350 mg/L CaO.
How many grains per gallon is Zalkod water?
11.4 gpg, equal to 10.9 °dH, 19.4 °fH or 195 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Zalkod?
For 195 mg/L (10.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Zalkod?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: NNGYK — Magyarországi települések ivóvízminősége (HUMVI 2024) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. NNGYK — Magyarországi települések ivóvízminősége (HUMVI 2024) · Outdated figure? Tell us