Water hardness in Graz
16.2 °dH very hard
Tap water in Graz is very hard: 16.2 °dH (289 mg/L · 16.9 gpg · 28.9 °fH).
Source: Holding Graz - Wasserwirtschaft (Graz Wasser) Befund 2025 (2025-06) · data checked 2026-10-20
Holding Graz Wasserwirtschaft reports 289.2 mg/L CaCO₃ in its 2025 test report, with a sampling date of June 2025. We have one figure and no published range, so differences between districts are not shown here. At this level, scale builds up quickly in kettles, coffee machines and boilers.
Angabe in °dH; Härtebereiche wie in Deutschland üblich.
Water data
| Total hardness | 16.2 °dH |
|---|
How Graz compares
- Tap water in Graz is 16 % harder than the median of the 159 cities we track in Austria (14 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 25 of 159 in Austria (1 = hardest); 85 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Steiermark it is number 2 of 8 cities; the regional median is 13.6 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Bruck an der Mur, 40 km away (11.9 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Perchtoldsdorf, 132 km away (25.9 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Austria →
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 Graz
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 16 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| 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 Graz water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 289 mg/L as CaCO₃ (16.9 gpg, 16.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Graz 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 Graz water?
16.9 gpg, equal to 16.2 °dH, 28.9 °fH or 289 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Graz?
For 289 mg/L (16.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Graz?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Holding Graz - Wasserwirtschaft (Graz Wasser) Befund 2025 (2025-06). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Holding Graz - Wasserwirtschaft (Graz Wasser) Befund 2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us