Water hardness in Cham
7.9 °dH hard
Tap water in Cham is hard: 7.9 °dH (141 mg/L · 8.2 gpg · 14.1 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Cham - Trinkwasserqualität 2025 (2025) · data checked 2026-11-03
Stadtwerke Cham reports 141.0 mg/L CaCO₃ in its 2025 drinking water quality sheet. That is hard water, and well below Regensburg at 301.7 mg/L and Straubing at 387.3 mg/L. We have not verified the source of the town's water, so compare with neighbours only as a rough guide and use the utility's own sheet for details.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.9 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Cham GmbH |
How Cham compares
- Tap water in Cham is 31 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 573 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 29 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bayern it is number 119 of 137 cities; the regional median is 15.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Schwarzenfeld, 43 km away (5.9 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Straubing, 39 km away (21.7 °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 Cham
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °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 Cham water hard or soft?
It is hard: 141 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.2 gpg, 7.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Cham 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 Cham water?
8.2 gpg, equal to 7.9 °dH, 14.1 °fH or 141 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Cham?
For 141 mg/L (7.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Cham?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Cham - Trinkwasserqualität 2025 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Cham - Trinkwasserqualität 2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us