Water hardness in Essen
6.6 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Essen is moderately hard: 6.6 °dH (118 mg/L · 6.9 gpg · 11.8 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Essen: Wasserhärte (2024-10) · data checked 2026-10-19
Stadtwerke Essen gives an approximate citywide hardness of 117.8 mg/L CaCO₃, with no analysis date; the web page was last updated in October 2024. It falls in the moderate category, so scale builds up more slowly than in the hardest German cities. Treat it as an approximation and compare it with the figure in your annual water notice.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.6 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Essen (Wassergewinnung Essen GmbH) |
How Essen compares
- Tap water in Essen is 43 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 662 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 17 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 129 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Sprockhövel, 31 km away (3.5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Gelsenkirchen, 9 km away (9.5 °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 Essen
| 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 Essen water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 118 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.9 gpg, 6.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Essen 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 Essen water?
6.9 gpg, equal to 6.6 °dH, 11.8 °fH or 118 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Essen?
For 118 mg/L (6.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Essen?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Essen: Wasserhärte (2024-10). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Essen: Wasserhärte · Outdated figure? Tell us