Water hardness in Sortland
2.1 °dH soft
Tap water in Sortland is soft: 2.1 °dH (38 mg/L · 2.2 gpg · 3.8 °fH).
Source: Sortland kommune, Vannets hardhet i Sortland (municipal web page) (2025) · data checked 2026-11-06
Sortland kommune publishes hardness by waterworks, and the figure here is for Sortland vannverk: 2.1 °dH, or 37.5 mg/L CaCO₃, with the page giving values for 2025. We assume this plant serves the town centre. The kommune's smaller waterworks, such as Nevernes and Blokken, report softer water. At this level scale is slight, so a softener is rarely worth the cost.
Norwegian waterworks report hardness in °dH or mg/L Ca; most supplies are very soft.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2.1 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Sortland kommune (vannforsyning) |
How Sortland compares
- Tap water in Sortland is 5 % harder than the median of the 89 cities we track in Norway (2 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 42 of 89 in Norway (1 = hardest); 52 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordland it is number 5 of 10 cities; the regional median is 1.9 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Evenes, 68 km away (1.5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Harstad, 47 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 Sortland
| 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 Sortland water hard or soft?
It is soft: 38 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.2 gpg, 2.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Sortland 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 Sortland water?
2.2 gpg, equal to 2.1 °dH, 3.8 °fH or 38 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Sortland?
For 38 mg/L (2.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Sortland?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Sortland kommune, Vannets hardhet i Sortland (municipal web page) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Sortland kommune, Vannets hardhet i Sortland (municipal web page) · Outdated figure? Tell us