Water hardness in Dresden
7.7 °dH hard
Tap water in Dresden is hard: 7.7 °dH (137 mg/L · 8 gpg · 13.7 °fH).
Source: SachsenEnergie, Medianwerte Reinwasser der Wasserwerke Coschütz, Hosterwitz und Tolkewitz, Januar bis Dezember 2025 (Stand 25.02.2026) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-22
Range across supply zones: 104–170 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Versorgungszone 1 – Wasserwerk Coschütz (Plauen, Gorbitz, Coschütz, Briesnitz u.a.) | 5.8 | 104 | moderately hard |
| Versorgungszone 3 – Wasserwerk Hosterwitz (Hosterwitz & Pillnitz) | 9.5 | 170 | hard |
SachsenEnergie reports 2025 median values for the Coschütz, Hosterwitz and Tolkewitz waterworks. The city figure of 137.1 mg/L CaCO₃ is computed from these medians, and the supply zones differ: zone 1 (Coschütz) is at 103.9 mg/L and zone 3 (Hosterwitz and Pillnitz) at 170.3 mg/L. Calcium is listed at 49.9 mg/L and magnesium at 11.1 mg/L. Your address and its zone matter more than the city average.
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 |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 49.9 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 11.1 |
| Utility | SachsenEnergie AG |
How Dresden compares
- Tap water in Dresden is 33 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 591 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 27 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Sachsen it is number 8 of 38 cities; the regional median is 5.2 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Zittau, 77 km away (5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Großröhrsdorf, 29 km away (9.6 °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 Dresden
| 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 Dresden water hard or soft?
It is hard: 137 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8 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 Dresden 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 Dresden water?
8 gpg, equal to 7.7 °dH, 13.7 °fH or 137 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Dresden?
For 137 mg/L (7.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Dresden?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: SachsenEnergie, Medianwerte Reinwasser der Wasserwerke Coschütz, Hosterwitz und Tolkewitz, Januar bis Dezember 2025 (Stand 25.02.2026) (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. SachsenEnergie, Medianwerte Reinwasser der Wasserwerke Coschütz, Hosterwitz und Tolkewitz, Januar bis Dezember 2025 (Stand 25.02.2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us