Water hardness in Kristinehamn
2.5 °dH soft
Tap water in Kristinehamn is soft: 2.5 °dH (45 mg/L · 2.6 gpg · 4.5 °fH).
Source: Kristinehamns kommun, Vattenkvalitet och hårdhetsgrad (2024) · data checked 2026-10-29
Kristinehamns kommun publishes a dedicated page on water quality and hardness, and it reports 44.6 mg/L as CaCO3, which is soft. At this level limescale is uncommon. Soft water can also mean you need less detergent in the washing machine and dishwasher.
Swedish municipalities report °dH; most surface-water supplies are soft.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2.5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Kristinehamns kommun |
How Kristinehamn compares
- Tap water in Kristinehamn is 47 % softer than the median of the 33 cities we track in Sweden (4.7 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 29 of 33 in Sweden (1 = hardest); 9 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Vänersborg, 146 km away (1.4 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Borlänge, 150 km away (7.7 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Sweden →
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 Kristinehamn
| 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 Kristinehamn water hard or soft?
It is soft: 45 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.6 gpg, 2.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Kristinehamn safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Swedish municipalities report °dH; most surface-water supplies are soft.
How many grains per gallon is Kristinehamn water?
2.6 gpg, equal to 2.5 °dH, 4.5 °fH or 45 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Kristinehamn?
For 45 mg/L (2.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Kristinehamn?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Kristinehamns kommun, Vattenkvalitet och hårdhetsgrad (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Kristinehamns kommun, Vattenkvalitet och hårdhetsgrad · Outdated figure? Tell us