Water hardness in Žatec
1.47 mmol/L hard
Tap water in Žatec is hard: 1.47 mmol/L (148 mg/L · 8.6 gpg · 8.3 °dH).
Source: SčVK, Moje obec – kvalita vody (aktuální hodnoty) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-21
Range across supply zones: 127–437 mg/L.
Žatec is supplied by SčVK, but the specific source for the town is not confirmed here. Reported hardness is 147.6 mg/L CaCO₃, with a range of 127.1 to 437.4 mg/L, so different parts of the network receive water of clearly different hardness. At the median value limescale is visible on kettles and taps, and the value for your street may be higher.
Czech suppliers report "Vápník a hořčík" in mmol/L; the recommended range is 2–3.5 mmol/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 1.47 mmol/L |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 42 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 10.65 |
| Utility | Severočeské vodovody a kanalizace, a.s. (SčVK) |
How Žatec compares
- Tap water in Žatec is 23 % harder than the median of the 1516 cities we track in Czechia (1.2 mmol/L).
- By hardness it ranks 487 of 1516 in Czechia (1 = hardest); 68 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Ústecký kraj it is number 278 of 631 cities; the regional median is 1.31 mmol/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Staňkovice, 3 km away (0.75 mmol/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Libočany, 2 km away (4.1 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 Žatec
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 8 °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 Žatec water hard or soft?
It is hard: 148 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.6 gpg, 8.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Žatec 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 Žatec water?
8.6 gpg, equal to 8.3 °dH, 14.8 °fH or 148 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Žatec?
For 148 mg/L (8.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Žatec?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: SčVK, Moje obec – kvalita vody (aktuální hodnoty) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. SčVK, Moje obec – kvalita vody (aktuální hodnoty) · Outdated figure? Tell us