Water hardness in Emden
9.9 °dH hard
Tap water in Emden is hard: 9.9 °dH (177 mg/L · 10.3 gpg · 17.7 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Emden - Emder Trinkwasser-Analysewerte, Stand März 2026 (Niedersächsisches Landesgesundheitsamt) (2026-03) · data checked 2026-10-20
Stadtwerke Emden's analysis from March 2026, prepared with the Lower Saxony state health office, reports 176.9 mg/L CaCO₃. The water is hard. No range is published for the city, so the figure is a single value.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9.9 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Emden |
How Emden compares
- Tap water in Emden is 14 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 484 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 40 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Niedersachsen it is number 20 of 94 cities; the regional median is 7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Hinte, 4 km away (5.3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Lilienthal, 115 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 Emden
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 10 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Emden water hard or soft?
It is hard: 177 mg/L as CaCO₃ (10.3 gpg, 9.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Emden 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 Emden water?
10.3 gpg, equal to 9.9 °dH, 17.7 °fH or 177 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Emden?
For 177 mg/L (9.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Emden?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Emden - Emder Trinkwasser-Analysewerte, Stand März 2026 (Niedersächsisches Landesgesundheitsamt) (2026-03). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Emden - Emder Trinkwasser-Analysewerte, Stand März 2026 (Niedersächsisches Landesgesundheitsamt) · Outdated figure? Tell us