Water hardness in Karlsøy
2 °dH soft
Tap water in Karlsøy is soft: 2 °dH (36 mg/L · 2.1 gpg · 3.6 °fH).
Source: Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Hansnes Vannverk; Vannvåg Vannverk; Vannavalen Vannverk Kommunale Vannverk +2), NLOD 2.0 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 9–36 mg/L.
Karlsøy has five small supply systems, reported between 8.9 and 35.7 mg/L CaCO₃. The figure here is the median, 35.7 mg/L, and the data runs from 2023 to 2025. All are soft, so scale builds up slowly.
Norwegian waterworks report hardness in °dH or mg/L Ca; most supplies are very soft.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Karlsøy Kommune |
How Karlsøy compares
- Tap water in Karlsøy is close to the median of the 89 cities we track in Norway (2 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 45 of 89 in Norway (1 = hardest); 45 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Tromsø, 43 km away (1.4 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Alta, 139 km away (4.5 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Norway →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Karlsøy
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 2 °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 Karlsøy water hard or soft?
It is soft: 36 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.1 gpg, 2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Karlsøy 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 Karlsøy water?
2.1 gpg, equal to 2 °dH, 3.6 °fH or 36 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Karlsøy?
For 36 mg/L (2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Karlsøy?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Hansnes Vannverk; Vannvåg Vannverk; Vannavalen Vannverk Kommunale Vannverk +2), NLOD 2.0 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Hansnes Vannverk; Vannvåg Vannverk; Vannavalen Vannverk Kommunale Vannverk +2), NLOD 2.0 · Outdated figure? Tell us