Water hardness in Greifswald
21 °dH very hard
Tap water in Greifswald is very hard: 21 °dH (375 mg/L · 21.9 gpg · 37.5 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Greifswald GmbH; LAGuS MV Prüfbericht 26GUW06673-01 (2026-09) · data checked 2026-10-20
Stadtwerke Greifswald publishes an analysis of the Groß Schönwalde waterworks, sampled on 3 September 2026 and tested by LAGuS Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It shows 374.9 mg/L CaCO₃, the high end of the scale. This is one sample, so seasonal variation is not captured. Heating elements and showerheads will scale quickly without treatment.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 21 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Greifswald GmbH (SWG) |
How Greifswald compares
- Tap water in Greifswald is 83 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 51 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 94 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern it is number 2 of 7 cities; the regional median is 17.2 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Malchow, 70 km away (13.5 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Greifswald
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 21 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 5 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| LG | H4 |
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 Greifswald water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 375 mg/L as CaCO₃ (21.9 gpg, 21 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Greifswald 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 Greifswald water?
21.9 gpg, equal to 21 °dH, 37.5 °fH or 375 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Greifswald?
For 375 mg/L (21 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Greifswald?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Greifswald GmbH; LAGuS MV Prüfbericht 26GUW06673-01 (2026-09). Method: own measurement. Stadtwerke Greifswald GmbH; LAGuS MV Prüfbericht 26GUW06673-01 · Outdated figure? Tell us