Water hardness in Freistadt
4.1 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Freistadt is moderately hard: 4.1 °dH (73 mg/L · 4.3 gpg · 7.3 °fH).
Source: Stadtgemeinde Freistadt, Wasseranalysen Wasserversorgungsanlage Freistadt (2025) · data checked 2026-10-22
Range across supply zones: 70–77 mg/L.
Freistadt's 2025 analysis prints a range of 69.6 to 76.8 mg/L CaCO₃, with the midpoint at 73.2 mg/L. That is soft to moderate water, which fits the crystalline rock of the Mühlviertel, though the report does not name the source. The values are computed and the two sample dates are April and September 2025. A softener is unlikely to be needed.
Angabe in °dH; Härtebereiche wie in Deutschland üblich.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.1 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtgemeinde Freistadt (Wasserversorgung) |
How Freistadt compares
- Tap water in Freistadt is 71 % softer than the median of the 159 cities we track in Austria (14 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 159 of 159 in Austria (1 = hardest); 0 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Oberösterreich it is number 10 of 10 cities; the regional median is 14.5 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Gallneukirchen, 19 km away (11.8 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Austria →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Freistadt
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Freistadt water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 73 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.3 gpg, 4.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Freistadt safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Angabe in °dH; Härtebereiche wie in Deutschland üblich.
How many grains per gallon is Freistadt water?
4.3 gpg, equal to 4.1 °dH, 7.3 °fH or 73 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Freistadt?
For 73 mg/L (4.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Freistadt?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Stadtgemeinde Freistadt, Wasseranalysen Wasserversorgungsanlage Freistadt (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Stadtgemeinde Freistadt, Wasseranalysen Wasserversorgungsanlage Freistadt · Outdated figure? Tell us