Water hardness in Narvik
1.1 °dH soft
Tap water in Narvik is soft: 1.1 °dH (19 mg/L · 1.1 gpg · 1.9 °fH).
Source: Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Narvik Vannverk; Bjerkvik Vannverk; Beisfjord Vannverk Sa +1), NLOD 2.0 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 9–58 mg/L.
Narvik is supplied by its municipal waterworks, which in Norway normally takes surface water from lakes, with some towns using groundwater. Norwegian bedrock is mostly granite and gneiss, which gives soft water. The reported hardness is 18.8 mg/L CaCO₃, with measurements from 8.9 to 58.3 mg/L. Limescale is a minor issue here; a softener is unlikely to be necessary.
Norwegian waterworks report hardness in °dH or mg/L Ca; most supplies are very soft.
Water data
| Total hardness | 1.1 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Narvik Kommune |
How Narvik compares
- Tap water in Narvik is 47 % softer than the median of the 89 cities we track in Norway (2 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 65 of 89 in Norway (1 = hardest); 27 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordland it is number 8 of 10 cities; the regional median is 1.9 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Evenes, 20 km away (1.5 °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 Narvik
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 1 °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 Narvik water hard or soft?
It is soft: 19 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1.1 gpg, 1.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Narvik 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 Narvik water?
1.1 gpg, equal to 1.1 °dH, 1.9 °fH or 19 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Narvik?
For 19 mg/L (1.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Narvik?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Narvik Vannverk; Bjerkvik Vannverk; Beisfjord Vannverk Sa +1), NLOD 2.0 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Narvik Vannverk; Bjerkvik Vannverk; Beisfjord Vannverk Sa +1), NLOD 2.0 · Outdated figure? Tell us