Water hardness in Altenburg
9 °dH hard
Tap water in Altenburg is hard: 9 °dH (161 mg/L · 9.4 gpg · 16.1 °fH).
Source: EWA Altenburg – Härtegrad Versorgungsgebiet (2026) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 89–232 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nördlicher Teil der Stadt Altenburg | 13 | 232 | very hard |
| Südliches Versorgungsgebiet | 5 | 89 | moderately hard |
EWA Altenburg splits its supply area in two. The northern part of the town is at 232.1 mg/L CaCO₃ and the southern supply area at 89.2 mg/L. The city figure of 160.7 mg/L sits between the two, so your own value depends on which part you live in.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Energie- und Wasserversorgung Altenburg (EWA) |
How Altenburg compares
- Tap water in Altenburg is 22 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 528 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 34 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Thüringen it is number 7 of 8 cities; the regional median is 16.5 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Neumark, 37 km away (6.3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Leipzig, 39 km away (14.1 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
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 Altenburg
| 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 Altenburg 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 Altenburg 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 Altenburg 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 Altenburg?
For 161 mg/L (9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Altenburg?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: EWA Altenburg – Härtegrad Versorgungsgebiet (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. EWA Altenburg – Härtegrad Versorgungsgebiet · Outdated figure? Tell us