Water hardness in Ål
3.4 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Ål is moderately hard: 3.4 °dH (61 mg/L · 3.5 gpg · 6.1 °fH).
Source: Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Sundre Vassverk), NLOD 2.0 (2020) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 52–75 mg/L.
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Norwegian waterworks report hardness in °dH or mg/L Ca; most supplies are very soft.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.4 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Ål Kommune |
How Ål compares
- Tap water in Ål is 70 % harder than the median of the 89 cities we track in Norway (2 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 12 of 89 in Norway (1 = hardest); 86 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Buskerud it is number 2 of 4 cities; the regional median is 2.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Nordre Land, 85 km away (1.2 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Ringerike, 107 km away (5 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Norway →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Ål
| 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 Ål water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 61 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.5 gpg, 3.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Ål safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Norwegian waterworks report hardness in °dH or mg/L Ca; most supplies are very soft.
How many grains per gallon is Ål water?
3.5 gpg, equal to 3.4 °dH, 6.1 °fH or 61 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Ål?
For 61 mg/L (3.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Ål?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Sundre Vassverk), NLOD 2.0 (2020). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Sundre Vassverk), NLOD 2.0 · Outdated figure? Tell us