Water hardness in Uppsala
7.7 °dH hard
Tap water in Uppsala is hard: 7.7 °dH (137 mg/L · 8 gpg · 13.7 °fH).
Source: Uppsala Vatten och Avfall AB, Dricksvattenkvalitet i Uppsala-Gunsta-Länna 2022 (2022) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 118–155 mg/L.
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Uppsala Vatten och Avfall reports a median of 137.4 mg/L CaCO₃, with user-tap samples from 117.8 to 155.3 mg/L. The figures come from the utility's report for the Gunsta-Länna supply and are from 2022, so they are older than most Swedish entries here. The report title names that supply system but does not say it covers every address in the city, so check with the utility if you live on the edge of town.
Swedish municipalities report °dH; most surface-water supplies are soft.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.7 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Uppsala Vatten och Avfall AB |
How Uppsala compares
- Tap water in Uppsala is 64 % harder than the median of the 33 cities we track in Sweden (4.7 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 3 of 33 in Sweden (1 = hardest); 94 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Täby, 52 km away (5.9 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Sweden →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Uppsala
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H2 |
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 Uppsala water hard or soft?
It is hard: 137 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8 gpg, 7.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Uppsala 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 Uppsala water?
8 gpg, equal to 7.7 °dH, 13.7 °fH or 137 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Uppsala?
For 137 mg/L (7.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Uppsala?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Uppsala Vatten och Avfall AB, Dricksvattenkvalitet i Uppsala-Gunsta-Länna 2022 (2022). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Uppsala Vatten och Avfall AB, Dricksvattenkvalitet i Uppsala-Gunsta-Länna 2022 · Outdated figure? Tell us