Water hardness in Alfeld
12.8 °dH very hard
Tap water in Alfeld is very hard: 12.8 °dH (229 mg/L · 13.3 gpg · 22.9 °fH).
Source: Wasserwerk Alfeld GmbH, notice Das weichere Wasser kommt (softening from 27.02.2024) (2024-02) · data checked 2026-11-03
Since 27 February 2024 Wasserwerk Alfeld feeds softened water into the network, at 12.8 °dH for the town and all districts except Lütgenholzen, which is supplied separately. The utility reported about 30 °dH at the Eimser Weg works before the softening plant started. The 12.8 °dH figure comes from a utility notice, not from a dated lab analysis, and no newer analysis was found, so treat it as a plant feed value. At 12.8 °dH the water falls in the medium band.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 12.8 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Wasserwerk Alfeld GmbH |
How Alfeld compares
- Tap water in Alfeld is 11 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 346 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 57 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Niedersachsen it is number 11 of 94 cities; the regional median is 7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Hildesheim, 21 km away (1.8 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Coppenbrügge, 29 km away (27.9 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
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 Alfeld
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 13 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Alfeld water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 229 mg/L as CaCO₃ (13.3 gpg, 12.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Alfeld safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
How many grains per gallon is Alfeld water?
13.3 gpg, equal to 12.8 °dH, 22.9 °fH or 229 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Alfeld?
For 229 mg/L (12.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Alfeld?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Wasserwerk Alfeld GmbH, notice Das weichere Wasser kommt (softening from 27.02.2024) (2024-02). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Wasserwerk Alfeld GmbH, notice Das weichere Wasser kommt (softening from 27.02.2024) · Outdated figure? Tell us