Water hardness in Dessau-Roßlau
22 °dH very hard
Tap water in Dessau-Roßlau is very hard: 22 °dH (393 mg/L · 22.9 gpg · 39.3 °fH).
Source: DessauWasser Trinkwasseranalyse Wasserwerk Ost (v. 04.02.2026) (2026-02) · data checked 2026-10-20
The only Dessau-Roßlau figure we have is for the Wasserwerk Ost, at 392.7 mg/L CaCO₃, from a utility lab report dated February 2026. The city's other waterworks are not covered, so this is not a confirmed citywide value. Where the Ost works supplies you, expect heavy limescale on heating elements and taps.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 22 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | DessauWasser (dvv Dessau) |
How Dessau-Roßlau compares
- Tap water in Dessau-Roßlau is 91 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 34 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 96 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Sachsen-Anhalt it is number 3 of 10 cities; the regional median is 17.1 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Lutherstadt Wittenberg, 29 km away (8.3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Weißenfels, 72 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 Dessau-Roßlau
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H06 |
| Miele | 22 °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 Dessau-Roßlau water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 393 mg/L as CaCO₃ (22.9 gpg, 22 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Dessau-Roßlau 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 Dessau-Roßlau water?
22.9 gpg, equal to 22 °dH, 39.3 °fH or 393 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Dessau-Roßlau?
For 393 mg/L (22 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Dessau-Roßlau?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: DessauWasser Trinkwasseranalyse Wasserwerk Ost (v. 04.02.2026) (2026-02). Method: figure published by the water supplier. DessauWasser Trinkwasseranalyse Wasserwerk Ost (v. 04.02.2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us