Water hardness in Bremen
7.7 °dH hard
Tap water in Bremen is hard: 7.7 °dH (138 mg/L · 8.1 gpg · 13.8 °fH).
Source: swb Vertrieb Bremen GmbH - Trinkwasser-Härtewerte, Stand Januar 2026 (2026-01) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 113–241 mg/L.
4 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bremen-Mahndorf | 8 | 142 | hard |
| Bremen-Nord | 7.5 | 134 | hard |
| Bremen-Stadt | 6.3 | 113 | moderately hard |
| Bremen-Tenever | 13.5 | 241 | very hard |
swb publishes hardness for four Bremen supply areas, and the January 2026 table gives a median of 138.1 mg/L CaCO₃ with a range of 113.1 to 241.2 mg/L. Bremen-Tenever is clearly harder than Bremen-Stadt and Bremen-Nord. The table is read from a web page, so check the current swb values for your area.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.7 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | swb AG (Bremen) |
How Bremen compares
- Tap water in Bremen is 33 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 586 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 28 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Kirchlinteln, 40 km away (4.6 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Lilienthal, 13 km away (12.5 °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 Bremen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Bremen water hard or soft?
It is hard: 138 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.1 gpg, 7.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bremen 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 Bremen water?
8.1 gpg, equal to 7.7 °dH, 13.8 °fH or 138 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bremen?
For 138 mg/L (7.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Bremen?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: swb Vertrieb Bremen GmbH - Trinkwasser-Härtewerte, Stand Januar 2026 (2026-01). Method: figure published by the water supplier. swb Vertrieb Bremen GmbH - Trinkwasser-Härtewerte, Stand Januar 2026 · Outdated figure? Tell us