Water hardness in Plzeň
1.36 mmol/L hard
Tap water in Plzeň is hard: 1.36 mmol/L (136 mg/L · 7.9 gpg · 7.6 °dH).
Source: Vodárna Plzeň a.s. - Kvalita vody ve vaší lokalitě: Plzeň (průměrné měsíční hodnoty; soubor Plzeň_Kv2025) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-23
Plzeň is supplied by Vodárna Plzeň, whose main source has long been surface water from the Úhlava river. Reported hardness is 136.1 mg/L CaCO₃, which is hard, based on a 2025 value that may have changed. Limescale on kettles, shower screens and taps is likely, so regular descaling helps.
Czech suppliers report "Vápník a hořčík" in mmol/L; the recommended range is 2–3.5 mmol/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 1.36 mmol/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Vodárna Plzeň a.s. (vodarna.cz) |
How Plzeň compares
- Tap water in Plzeň is 13 % harder than the median of the 1516 cities we track in Czechia (1.2 mmol/L).
- By hardness it ranks 536 of 1516 in Czechia (1 = hardest); 64 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Plzeňský kraj it is number 42 of 75 cities; the regional median is 1.64 mmol/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Dolní Lhota, 43 km away (0.98 mmol/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Šlovice, 8 km away (2.14 mmol/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Czechia →
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 Plzeň
| 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 Plzeň water hard or soft?
It is hard: 136 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.9 gpg, 7.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Plzeň safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Czech suppliers report "Vápník a hořčík" in mmol/L; the recommended range is 2–3.5 mmol/L.
How many grains per gallon is Plzeň water?
7.9 gpg, equal to 7.6 °dH, 13.6 °fH or 136 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Plzeň?
For 136 mg/L (7.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Plzeň?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Vodárna Plzeň a.s. - Kvalita vody ve vaší lokalitě: Plzeň (průměrné měsíční hodnoty; soubor Plzeň_Kv2025) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Vodárna Plzeň a.s. - Kvalita vody ve vaší lokalitě: Plzeň (průměrné měsíční hodnoty; soubor Plzeň_Kv2025) · Outdated figure? Tell us