Water hardness in Friedrichsdorf
8.5 °dH hard
Tap water in Friedrichsdorf is hard: 8.5 °dH (152 mg/L · 8.9 gpg · 15.2 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Friedrichsdorf – Trinkwasseranalyse 2024 Seulberg (SGS Fresenius) (2024) · data checked 2026-11-02
Stadtwerke Friedrichsdorf's 2024 analysis for the Seulberg district, carried out by SGS Fresenius, gives 152.1 mg/L CaCO₃, which is hard rather than very hard. Bad Homburg next door reports 189.2 mg/L and Oberursel 93.4 mg/L, so the Taunus foothills show large differences over short distances. Other districts may be supplied differently, so this figure is for Seulberg.
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 |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Friedrichsdorf |
How Friedrichsdorf compares
- Tap water in Friedrichsdorf is 26 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 552 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 32 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Hessen it is number 50 of 73 cities; the regional median is 10.7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Oberursel (Taunus), 8 km away (5.2 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Eschborn, 13 km away (15.6 °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 Friedrichsdorf
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °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 Friedrichsdorf 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 Friedrichsdorf 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 Friedrichsdorf 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 Friedrichsdorf?
For 152 mg/L (8.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Friedrichsdorf?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Friedrichsdorf – Trinkwasseranalyse 2024 Seulberg (SGS Fresenius) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Friedrichsdorf – Trinkwasseranalyse 2024 Seulberg (SGS Fresenius) · Outdated figure? Tell us