Water hardness in Göttingen
7 °dH hard
Tap water in Göttingen is hard: 7 °dH (124 mg/L · 7.2 gpg · 12.4 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Göttingen - Trinkwasser Analyse 2025 (Stand November 2025) (2025-11) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 118–130 mg/L.
Stadtwerke Göttingen prints hardness for the whole supply as a range, 117.8 to 130.3 mg/L CaCO₃, in its analysis dated November 2025. The city figure of 124.1 mg/L is the midpoint of that range, not a measured average. The utility lists Harz reservoir water as the main source (about 80 %) and its own works as the rest, which fits a fairly narrow band. Scale builds up at a steady, moderate pace.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Göttingen AG |
How Göttingen compares
- Tap water in Göttingen is 40 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 635 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 21 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Niedersachsen it is number 51 of 94 cities; the regional median is 7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Trendelburg, 34 km away (4.3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Katlenburg-Lindau, 16 km away (18.9 °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 Göttingen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Göttingen water hard or soft?
It is hard: 124 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.2 gpg, 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 Göttingen 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 Göttingen water?
7.2 gpg, equal to 7 °dH, 12.4 °fH or 124 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Göttingen?
For 124 mg/L (7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Göttingen?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Göttingen - Trinkwasser Analyse 2025 (Stand November 2025) (2025-11). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Stadtwerke Göttingen - Trinkwasser Analyse 2025 (Stand November 2025) · Outdated figure? Tell us