Water hardness in Birzai
3.14 mmol/L very hard
Tap water in Birzai is very hard: 3.14 mmol/L (314 mg/L · 18.3 gpg · 17.6 °dH).
Source: UAB Birzu vandenys, periodic monitoring report 2018-2022 (Birzai wellfield) (2022) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 300–328 mg/L.
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
UAB Birzu vandenys reports 5.99-6.55 mg-eq/L total hardness (meq/L) for the Birzai wellfield in its 2018-2022 monitoring report, roughly 300-328 mg/L CaCO3. These are 2022 results, so the data is stale and newer figures may differ. The report's table header says mmol/L while the text says mg-eq/L; bicarbonate of 359-370 mg/L supports the mg-eq/L reading. At this level, expect visible limescale in kettles and hot-water systems.
Lithuanian suppliers report total hardness in mmol/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.14 mmol/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | UAB Birzu vandenys (birzuvandenys.lt) |
How Birzai compares
- Tap water in Birzai is 11 % harder than the median of the 15 cities we track in Lithuania (2.83 mmol/L).
- By hardness it ranks 4 of 15 in Lithuania (1 = hardest); 79 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Kedainiai, 112 km away (2.45 mmol/L).
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 Birzai
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 18 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Birzai water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 314 mg/L as CaCO₃ (18.3 gpg, 17.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Birzai safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Lithuanian suppliers report total hardness in mmol/L.
How many grains per gallon is Birzai water?
18.3 gpg, equal to 17.6 °dH, 31.4 °fH or 314 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Birzai?
For 314 mg/L (17.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Birzai?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: UAB Birzu vandenys, periodic monitoring report 2018-2022 (Birzai wellfield) (2022). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. UAB Birzu vandenys, periodic monitoring report 2018-2022 (Birzai wellfield) · Outdated figure? Tell us