Water hardness in Gießen
9.1 °dH hard
Tap water in Gießen is hard: 9.1 °dH (163 mg/L · 9.5 gpg · 16.3 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Gießen AG – Prüfbericht Trinkwasser (published by Gemeinde Fernwald) (2019) · data checked 2026-10-23
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
The figure of 162.6 mg/L CaCO₃ for Gießen comes from a 2019 test report by Stadtwerke Gießen AG, published by the municipality of Fernwald. It covers one supply zone only, and we have no newer data, so treat it as dated. Calcium is 38.9 mg/L and magnesium 16.8 mg/L in that report. Ask the utility for the current analysis for your address.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9.1 °dH |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 38.9 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 16.8 |
| mmol_l | 1.63 |
| Utility | Stadtwerke Gießen AG |
How Gießen compares
- Tap water in Gießen is 21 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 515 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 36 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Hessen it is number 46 of 73 cities; the regional median is 10.7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Usingen, 30 km away (6.7 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Solms, 21 km away (22 °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 Gießen
| 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 Gießen water hard or soft?
It is hard: 163 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.5 gpg, 9.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Gießen 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 Gießen water?
9.5 gpg, equal to 9.1 °dH, 16.3 °fH or 163 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Gießen?
For 163 mg/L (9.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Gießen?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Gießen AG – Prüfbericht Trinkwasser (published by Gemeinde Fernwald) (2019). Method: older figure, source currently unavailable. Stadtwerke Gießen AG – Prüfbericht Trinkwasser (published by Gemeinde Fernwald) · Outdated figure? Tell us