Water hardness in Alta
4.5 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Alta is moderately hard: 4.5 °dH (80 mg/L · 4.7 gpg · 8 °fH).
Source: Alta kommune, drikkevannskvalitet (municipal web page) (2025-11) · data checked 2026-11-05
Alta kommune gives about 4.5 °dH, or 80.3 mg/L CaCO₃, for Alta by vannverk, the town supply, and describes it as soft. The page was updated in November 2025 but prints no measurement year. At this level some limescale can appear on kettles and shower screens, and regular descaling is usually enough.
Norwegian waterworks report hardness in °dH or mg/L Ca; most supplies are very soft.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Alta kommune (Bydrift, vannforsyning) |
How Alta compares
- Tap water in Alta is 125 % harder than the median of the 89 cities we track in Norway (2 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 8 of 89 in Norway (1 = hardest); 91 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Kautokeino, 107 km away (1.7 °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 Alta
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Alta water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 80 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.7 gpg, 4.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Alta 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 Alta water?
4.7 gpg, equal to 4.5 °dH, 8 °fH or 80 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Alta?
For 80 mg/L (4.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Alta?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Alta kommune, drikkevannskvalitet (municipal web page) (2025-11). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Alta kommune, drikkevannskvalitet (municipal web page) · Outdated figure? Tell us