Water hardness in Elmshorn
14.5 °dH very hard
Tap water in Elmshorn is very hard: 14.5 °dH (259 mg/L · 15.1 gpg · 25.9 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Elmshorn, Auszug Trinkwasseranalyse vom 01.12.2025 (2025-12) · data checked 2026-10-22
Range across supply zones: 223–295 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Wasserwerk 1 Köhnholz | 12.5 | 223 | very hard |
| Wasserwerk 2 (Nibelungenring) | 16.5 | 295 | very hard |
Stadtwerke Elmshorn's extract from the analysis of 1 December 2025 gives 258.8 mg/L CaCO₃, with two zones between 223.1 and 294.5 mg/L. Hamburg is slightly softer at 208.8 mg/L, and Cuxhaven reports 128.5 mg/L. The water is very hard by the usual scale, so descaling kettles and shower heads is a regular chore.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 14.5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Elmshorn |
How Elmshorn compares
- Tap water in Elmshorn is 26 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 272 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 66 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Schleswig-Holstein it is number 9 of 26 cities; the regional median is 12 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Glückstadt, 16 km away (7.6 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Stockelsdorf, 69 km away (18.6 °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 Elmshorn
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 14 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Elmshorn water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 259 mg/L as CaCO₃ (15.1 gpg, 14.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Elmshorn 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 Elmshorn water?
15.1 gpg, equal to 14.5 °dH, 25.9 °fH or 259 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Elmshorn?
For 259 mg/L (14.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Elmshorn?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Elmshorn, Auszug Trinkwasseranalyse vom 01.12.2025 (2025-12). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Elmshorn, Auszug Trinkwasseranalyse vom 01.12.2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us