Water hardness in Augsburg
13.2 °dH very hard
Tap water in Augsburg is very hard: 13.2 °dH (236 mg/L · 13.8 gpg · 23.6 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Augsburg Wasser (swa) - Die Analysewerte, Stand Analysen November 2025 (2025-11) · data checked 2026-10-19
Stadtwerke Augsburg (swa) publishes a citywide mean across its waterworks, from analyses of November 2025. The figure is 235.6 mg/L CaCO₃. An undated web page on the same site shows a slightly higher value, so the exact figure varies by publication.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 13.2 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Augsburg Wasser GmbH (swa) |
How Augsburg compares
- Tap water in Augsburg is 15 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 328 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 59 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bayern it is number 87 of 137 cities; the regional median is 15.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Meitingen, 13 km away (9 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Wertingen, 20 km away (18.7 °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 Augsburg
| 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 Augsburg water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 236 mg/L as CaCO₃ (13.8 gpg, 13.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Augsburg 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 Augsburg water?
13.8 gpg, equal to 13.2 °dH, 23.6 °fH or 236 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Augsburg?
For 236 mg/L (13.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Augsburg?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Augsburg Wasser (swa) - Die Analysewerte, Stand Analysen November 2025 (2025-11). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Augsburg Wasser (swa) - Die Analysewerte, Stand Analysen November 2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us