Water hardness in Hirschau
4.5 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Hirschau is moderately hard: 4.5 °dH (80 mg/L · 4.7 gpg · 8 °fH).
Source: Stadt Hirschau, Trinkwasseranalyse (LfW-Export) 10.2025 (2025-10) · data checked 2026-11-05
The town of Hirschau publishes its drinking water analysis (an LfW export dated October 2025). It gives 80.3 mg/L CaCO₃, about 4.5 °dH, which is low compared with many other places in Bavaria. The source does not say where the water comes from, so we name no geological cause. At this level scale buildup is modest, and detergent can be dosed for the lowest hardness range.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadt Hirschau, Wasserversorgung (city waterworks) |
How Hirschau compares
- Tap water in Hirschau is 61 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 748 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 7 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bayern it is number 135 of 137 cities; the regional median is 15.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Bergen, 106 km away (2.9 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Hahnbach, 10 km away (6.8 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Hirschau
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Hirschau water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 80 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.7 gpg, 4.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Hirschau 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 Hirschau water?
4.7 gpg, equal to 4.5 °dH, 8 °fH or 80 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Hirschau?
For 80 mg/L (4.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Hirschau?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Stadt Hirschau, Trinkwasseranalyse (LfW-Export) 10.2025 (2025-10). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadt Hirschau, Trinkwasseranalyse (LfW-Export) 10.2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us