Water hardness in Tromsø
1.4 °dH soft
Tap water in Tromsø is soft: 1.4 °dH (25 mg/L · 1.5 gpg · 2.5 °fH).
Source: Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Tromsø Vannverk Vann Og Avløp), NLOD 2.0 (2023) · data checked 2026-10-21
Range across supply zones: 9–29 mg/L.
Tromsø 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 25.0 mg/L CaCO₃, with measurements from 8.9 to 28.6 mg/L. This figure dates from 2023 and may have changed. 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 | 1.4 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Tromsø Kommune |
How Tromsø compares
- Tap water in Tromsø is 30 % softer than the median of the 89 cities we track in Norway (2 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 61 of 89 in Norway (1 = hardest); 32 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Narvik, 148 km away (1.1 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Karlsøy, 43 km away (2 °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 Tromsø
| 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 Tromsø water hard or soft?
It is soft: 25 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1.5 gpg, 1.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Tromsø 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 Tromsø water?
1.5 gpg, equal to 1.4 °dH, 2.5 °fH or 25 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Tromsø?
For 25 mg/L (1.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Tromsø?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Tromsø Vannverk Vann Og Avløp), NLOD 2.0 (2023). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Mattilsynet, Vannverksregisteret – drinking-water analyses (Tromsø Vannverk Vann Og Avløp), NLOD 2.0 · Outdated figure? Tell us