Water hardness in Kaunas
2.75 mmol/L very hard
Tap water in Kaunas is very hard: 2.75 mmol/L (275 mg/L · 16.1 gpg · 15.4 °dH).
Source: UAB Kauno vandenys, drinking water indicators (HN 24:2017 table), Bendrasis kietumas (2023-09) · data checked 2026-10-22
Range across supply zones: 250–320 mg/L.
4 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| mmol/L | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Eiguliu wellfield (Eiguliu vandenviete) | 2.85 | 285 | very hard |
| Kleboniskio wellfield (Kleboniskio vandenviete) | 2.7 | 270 | very hard |
| Petrasiunu wellfield (Petrasiunu vandenviete) | 2.65 | 265 | very hard |
| Vicinu wellfield (Vicinu vandenviete) | 2.8 | 280 | very hard |
UAB Kauno vandenys publishes total hardness per wellfield: 2.5-3.2 mmol/L at Eiguliai, 2.7 at Kleboniskis, 2.8 at Viciunai and 2.5-2.8 at Petrasiunai, which is roughly 250-320 mg/L CaCO3. The figures come from a table sampled on 30 September 2023, so newer quarterly reports may differ. Lithuanian drinking-water rules do not set a limit for hardness, and at these levels limescale on kettles and heaters is the usual practical effect.
Lithuanian suppliers report total hardness in mmol/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2.75 mmol/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | UAB Kauno vandenys (kaunovandenys.lt) |
How Kaunas compares
- Tap water in Kaunas is close to the median of the 15 cities we track in Lithuania (2.83 mmol/L).
- By hardness it ranks 9 of 15 in Lithuania (1 = hardest); 43 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Kauno apskritis it is number 2 of 4 cities; the regional median is 2.67 mmol/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Varena, 88 km away (1.95 mmol/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Ukmerge, 66 km away (3.62 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 Kaunas
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 15 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Kaunas water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 275 mg/L as CaCO₃ (16.1 gpg, 15.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Kaunas 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 Kaunas water?
16.1 gpg, equal to 15.4 °dH, 27.5 °fH or 275 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Kaunas?
For 275 mg/L (15.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Kaunas?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: UAB Kauno vandenys, drinking water indicators (HN 24:2017 table), Bendrasis kietumas (2023-09). Method: own measurement. UAB Kauno vandenys, drinking water indicators (HN 24:2017 table), Bendrasis kietumas · Outdated figure? Tell us