Water hardness in Herzberg am Harz
9.9 °dH hard
Tap water in Herzberg am Harz is hard: 9.9 °dH (177 mg/L · 10.3 gpg · 17.7 °fH).
Source: Stadt Herzberg am Harz – Härtebereiche des Trinkwassers 2026 (Analysen 27.01.2026) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 34–286 mg/L.
6 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Kernstadt Herzberg | 11.7 | 209 | very hard |
| Lonau | 1.9 | 34 | soft |
| Pöhlde | 16 | 286 | very hard |
| Scharzfeld, Gebiet Am Brandkopf u.a. | 15.7 | 280 | very hard |
| Scharzfeld, übrige Ortsbereiche | 8.1 | 145 | hard |
| Sieber | 2.3 | 41 | soft |
Stadt Herzberg am Harz lists six areas from analyses taken on 27 January 2026. They range from 33.9 mg/L CaCO₃ in Lonau and 41.1 mg/L in Sieber to 285.6 mg/L in Pöhlde, with the Kernstadt at 208.8 mg/L. The city figure of 176.7 mg/L is a median and hides a wide spread, so look up your district.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9.9 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Wasserwerk Herzberg am Harz (Stadt) |
How Herzberg am Harz compares
- Tap water in Herzberg am Harz is 14 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 485 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 40 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Niedersachsen it is number 21 of 94 cities; the regional median is 7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Göttingen, 32 km away (7 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Katlenburg-Lindau, 21 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 Herzberg am Harz
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 10 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Herzberg am Harz water hard or soft?
It is hard: 177 mg/L as CaCO₃ (10.3 gpg, 9.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Herzberg am Harz 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 Herzberg am Harz water?
10.3 gpg, equal to 9.9 °dH, 17.7 °fH or 177 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Herzberg am Harz?
For 177 mg/L (9.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Herzberg am Harz?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Stadt Herzberg am Harz – Härtebereiche des Trinkwassers 2026 (Analysen 27.01.2026) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadt Herzberg am Harz – Härtebereiche des Trinkwassers 2026 (Analysen 27.01.2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us