Water hardness in Skien
2.8 °dH soft
Tap water in Skien is soft: 2.8 °dH (49 mg/L · 2.9 gpg · 4.9 °fH).
Source: Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Steinsvika Vannverk), NLOD 2.0 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Skien 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 49.1 mg/L CaCO₃. Kettles and heaters stay fairly clear of scale at this level.
Norwegian waterworks report hardness in °dH or mg/L Ca; most supplies are very soft.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2.8 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Skien Kommune |
How Skien compares
- Tap water in Skien is 38 % harder than the median of the 89 cities we track in Norway (2 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 26 of 89 in Norway (1 = hardest); 72 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Telemark it is number 1 of 4 cities; the regional median is 2.4 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Larvik, 30 km away (1.4 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Ringerike, 112 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 Skien
| 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 Skien water hard or soft?
It is soft: 49 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.9 gpg, 2.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Skien 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 Skien water?
2.9 gpg, equal to 2.8 °dH, 4.9 °fH or 49 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Skien?
For 49 mg/L (2.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Skien?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Steinsvika Vannverk), NLOD 2.0 (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Steinsvika Vannverk), NLOD 2.0 · Outdated figure? Tell us