Water hardness in Eppstein
6.7 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Eppstein is moderately hard: 6.7 °dH (120 mg/L · 7 gpg · 12 °fH).
Source: Stadt Eppstein – Trinkwasseranalyse Niederjosbach (SGS Fresenius) 26.03.2025 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-29
Stadt Eppstein publishes an SGS Fresenius analysis from 26 March 2025 for the district of Niederjosbach, which gives 119.6 mg/L CaCO₃. Niedernhausen (93.7 mg/L) is similar, while Hofheim am Taunus, 7 km away, reports 351.6 mg/L. The analysis covers one district only, so other parts of Eppstein may differ.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.7 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Eppstein |
How Eppstein compares
- Tap water in Eppstein is 42 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 658 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 18 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Hessen it is number 58 of 73 cities; the regional median is 10.7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Niedernhausen, 6 km away (5.2 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Hofheim am Taunus, 7 km away (19.7 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Eppstein
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Eppstein water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 120 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7 gpg, 6.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Eppstein 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 Eppstein water?
7 gpg, equal to 6.7 °dH, 12 °fH or 120 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Eppstein?
For 120 mg/L (6.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Eppstein?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Stadt Eppstein – Trinkwasseranalyse Niederjosbach (SGS Fresenius) 26.03.2025 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadt Eppstein – Trinkwasseranalyse Niederjosbach (SGS Fresenius) 26.03.2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us