Water hardness in Bad Kösen
21 °dH very hard
Tap water in Bad Kösen is very hard: 21 °dH (375 mg/L · 21.9 gpg · 37.5 °fH).
Source: TWN Naumburg - Trinkwasserqualität, Stand Mai 2026, Wasserwerk Naumburg Panoramaweg Analyseergebnis 2. Quartal 2026 (2026-05) · data checked 2026-11-06
For Bad Kösen the figure is 374.9 mg/L CaCO₃ (very hard). It comes from the analysis of the Naumburg Panoramaweg water works, published by Technische Werke Naumburg for the second quarter of 2026. The source does not say whether this single sample represents the whole network in Bad Kösen, so confirm with the utility.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 21 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Technische Werke Naumburg GmbH (TWN) |
How Bad Kösen compares
- Tap water in Bad Kösen is 83 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 51 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 94 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Sachsen-Anhalt it is number 4 of 10 cities; the regional median is 17.1 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Jena, 25 km away (16 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Weißenfels, 19 km away (28.4 °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 Bad Kösen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 21 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 5 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| LG | H4 |
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 Bad Kösen water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 375 mg/L as CaCO₃ (21.9 gpg, 21 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bad Kösen 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 Bad Kösen water?
21.9 gpg, equal to 21 °dH, 37.5 °fH or 375 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bad Kösen?
For 375 mg/L (21 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Bad Kösen?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: TWN Naumburg - Trinkwasserqualität, Stand Mai 2026, Wasserwerk Naumburg Panoramaweg Analyseergebnis 2. Quartal 2026 (2026-05). Method: figure published by the water supplier. TWN Naumburg - Trinkwasserqualität, Stand Mai 2026, Wasserwerk Naumburg Panoramaweg Analyseergebnis 2. Quartal 2026 · Outdated figure? Tell us