Water hardness in Itzehoe
12.3 °dH very hard
Tap water in Itzehoe is very hard: 12.3 °dH (220 mg/L · 12.8 gpg · 22 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Itzehoe, Trinkwasseranalyse Gruppe B TrinkwV Wasserwerk Tonkuhle (Hamburger Wasserwerke Prüfbericht TW26-02083) (2026-03) · data checked 2026-10-23
Stadtwerke Itzehoe measured 12.3 °dH on 3 March 2026 at the Wasserwerk Tonkuhle. This is the only sampling point we have, and citywide coverage is not confirmed. Treat the figure as indicative for the area served by that works.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 12.3 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Itzehoe |
How Itzehoe compares
- Tap water in Itzehoe is 7 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 373 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 54 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Schleswig-Holstein it is number 13 of 26 cities; the regional median is 12 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Hohenlockstedt, 9 km away (6.3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Pinneberg, 36 km away (15.9 °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 Itzehoe
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 12 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| 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 Itzehoe water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 220 mg/L as CaCO₃ (12.8 gpg, 12.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Itzehoe 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 Itzehoe water?
12.8 gpg, equal to 12.3 °dH, 22 °fH or 220 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Itzehoe?
For 220 mg/L (12.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Itzehoe?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Itzehoe, Trinkwasseranalyse Gruppe B TrinkwV Wasserwerk Tonkuhle (Hamburger Wasserwerke Prüfbericht TW26-02083) (2026-03). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Itzehoe, Trinkwasseranalyse Gruppe B TrinkwV Wasserwerk Tonkuhle (Hamburger Wasserwerke Prüfbericht TW26-02083) · Outdated figure? Tell us