Water hardness in Rakkestad
3.4 °dH soft
Tap water in Rakkestad is soft: 3.4 °dH (60 mg/L · 3.5 gpg · 6 °fH).
Source: Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Sander Vannverk Rakkestad Kommune; Kirkeng Vannverk, Rakkestad Kommune), NLOD 2.0 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 45–109 mg/L.
Rakkestad has two supply systems: Sander Vannverk at 75.0 mg/L CaCO₃ and Kirkeng Vannverk at 44.6 mg/L, both reported for 2025. The figure here is the median, 59.8 mg/L. Most residents are on the larger Sander system, where you can expect some limescale on kettles over time.
Norwegian waterworks report hardness in °dH or mg/L Ca; most supplies are very soft.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.4 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Rakkestad Kommune |
How Rakkestad compares
- Tap water in Rakkestad is 68 % harder than the median of the 89 cities we track in Norway (2 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 14 of 89 in Norway (1 = hardest); 85 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Østfold it is number 1 of 6 cities; the regional median is 2.7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Skiptvet, 12 km away (2.4 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Ringerike, 102 km away (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 Rakkestad
| 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 Rakkestad water hard or soft?
It is soft: 60 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 Rakkestad 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 Rakkestad water?
3.5 gpg, equal to 3.4 °dH, 6 °fH or 60 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Rakkestad?
For 60 mg/L (3.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Rakkestad?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Sander Vannverk Rakkestad Kommune; Kirkeng Vannverk, Rakkestad Kommune), NLOD 2.0 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Sander Vannverk Rakkestad Kommune; Kirkeng Vannverk, Rakkestad Kommune), NLOD 2.0 · Outdated figure? Tell us