Water hardness in Vienna
9 °dH hard
Tap water in Vienna is hard: 9 °dH (161 mg/L · 9.4 gpg · 16.1 °fH).
Source: Stadt Wien MA 31 Wiener Wasser - Trinkwasser Wasserhärte (Bezirkstabelle) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 107–214 mg/L.
Wiener Wasser (MA 31) publishes hardness by district, and the city figure of 160.7 mg/L CaCO₃ is computed from that table. District values run from 107.1 to 214.2 mg/L, so the tap in your building may be noticeably softer or harder than the average. Check the district table before sizing a softener; at this level a descaler for kettle and showerhead is often enough.
Angabe in °dH; Härtebereiche wie in Deutschland üblich.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Wiener Wasser (Stadt Wien, MA 31) |
How Vienna compares
- Tap water in Vienna is 36 % softer than the median of the 159 cities we track in Austria (14 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 149 of 159 in Austria (1 = hardest); 6 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Mürzzuschlag, 85 km away (5.7 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Vösendorf, 10 km away (15.5 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Austria →
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 Vienna
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| 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 Vienna water hard or soft?
It is hard: 161 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.4 gpg, 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 Vienna 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 Vienna water?
9.4 gpg, equal to 9 °dH, 16.1 °fH or 161 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Vienna?
For 161 mg/L (9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Vienna?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Stadt Wien MA 31 Wiener Wasser - Trinkwasser Wasserhärte (Bezirkstabelle) (2026). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Stadt Wien MA 31 Wiener Wasser - Trinkwasser Wasserhärte (Bezirkstabelle) · Outdated figure? Tell us