Water hardness in Forst
8.5 °dH hard
Tap water in Forst is hard: 8.5 °dH (152 mg/L · 8.9 gpg · 15.2 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Forst – Trinkwasseranalysedaten Wasserwerk Forst 2024 (Untersuchung 08.07.2024) (2024) · data checked 2026-11-02
Stadtwerke Forst tested its waterworks on 8 July 2024 and reports 151.7 mg/L CaCO₃, with calcium at 54.8 mg/L and magnesium at 3.64 mg/L. That is hard but clearly softer than Frankfurt (Oder) at 332.3 mg/L. This is a single dated analysis, so values can shift slightly through the year.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 54.8 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 3.64 |
| Utility | Stadtwerke Forst |
How Forst compares
- Tap water in Forst is 26 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 553 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 32 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Brandenburg it is number 15 of 15 cities; the regional median is 16 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Zittau, 94 km away (5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Peitz, 21 km away (15.3 °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 Forst
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| 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 Forst water hard or soft?
It is hard: 152 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.9 gpg, 8.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Forst 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 Forst water?
8.9 gpg, equal to 8.5 °dH, 15.2 °fH or 152 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Forst?
For 152 mg/L (8.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Forst?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Forst – Trinkwasseranalysedaten Wasserwerk Forst 2024 (Untersuchung 08.07.2024) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Forst – Trinkwasseranalysedaten Wasserwerk Forst 2024 (Untersuchung 08.07.2024) · Outdated figure? Tell us