Water hardness in Harstad
4.5 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Harstad is moderately hard: 4.5 °dH (80 mg/L · 4.7 gpg · 8 °fH).
Source: Harstad kommune, Vannforsyning web page (municipal) (2026-10) · data checked 2026-11-05
Harstad kommune lists 4.5 °dH, or 80.3 mg/L CaCO₃, for Harstad vannbehandlingsanlegg, the town supply. Other waterworks in the kommune are listed separately on the same page and mostly report softer water. The page was updated in October 2026 but gives no measurement year. Some limescale on kettles and showers is likely over time.
Norwegian waterworks report hardness in °dH or mg/L Ca; most supplies are very soft.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Harstad kommune (vannforsyning) |
How Harstad compares
- Tap water in Harstad 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: Evenes, 36 km away (1.5 °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 Harstad
| 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 Harstad 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 Harstad 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 Harstad 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 Harstad?
For 80 mg/L (4.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Harstad?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Harstad kommune, Vannforsyning web page (municipal) (2026-10). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Harstad kommune, Vannforsyning web page (municipal) · Outdated figure? Tell us