Water hardness in Szczecinek
248 mg/L very hard
Tap water in Szczecinek is very hard: 248 mg/L (14.5 gpg · 13.9 °dH · 24.8 °fH).
Source: Miasto Szczecinek – Wodny zdrój w szczecineckim parku (PWiK) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-29
PWiK Szczecinek reports tap water at about 248 mg/L CaCO₃, which falls in the very hard band. The utility's published figure does not break the town down into zones, and I could not verify the exact aquifer from the source, so treat any geology link as regional. Expect limescale on kettles and heating elements.
Polish suppliers report total hardness in mg/L CaCO₃; the drinking-water regulation range is 60–500 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 248 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 71 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 8 |
| Utility | PWiK Szczecinek |
How Szczecinek compares
- Tap water in Szczecinek is close to the median of the 91 cities we track in Poland (245 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 45 of 91 in Poland (1 = hardest); 51 % of these cities have softer water.
- In zachodniopomorskie it is number 3 of 5 cities; the regional median is 248 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Wejherowo, 141 km away (174 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Fordon, 116 km away (404 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Poland →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Szczecinek
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 14 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Szczecinek water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 248 mg/L as CaCO₃ (14.5 gpg, 13.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Szczecinek safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Polish suppliers report total hardness in mg/L CaCO₃; the drinking-water regulation range is 60–500 mg/L.
How many grains per gallon is Szczecinek water?
14.5 gpg, equal to 13.9 °dH, 24.8 °fH or 248 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Szczecinek?
For 248 mg/L (13.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Szczecinek?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Miasto Szczecinek – Wodny zdrój w szczecineckim parku (PWiK) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Miasto Szczecinek – Wodny zdrój w szczecineckim parku (PWiK) · Outdated figure? Tell us