Water hardness in Magdeburg
14.3 °dH very hard
Tap water in Magdeburg is very hard: 14.3 °dH (255 mg/L · 14.9 gpg · 25.5 °fH).
Source: TWM GmbH - Trinkwasseranalyse WW Colbitz 2025 (Mittelwerte) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
The only analysis we found is Trinkwasserversorgung Magdeburg's 2025 report for the Colbitz waterworks, which gives 255.3 mg/L CaCO₃. It covers one of the utility's two main works, so we cannot confirm that it holds for every district. Ask the utility which works supplies your street before sizing a softener.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 14.3 °dH |
|---|
How Magdeburg compares
- Tap water in Magdeburg is 24 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 283 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 64 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Sachsen-Anhalt it is number 7 of 10 cities; the regional median is 17.1 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Schönebeck (Elbe), 14 km away (11.3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Tangermünde, 51 km away (25.4 °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 Magdeburg
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 14 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Magdeburg water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 255 mg/L as CaCO₃ (14.9 gpg, 14.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Magdeburg 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 Magdeburg water?
14.9 gpg, equal to 14.3 °dH, 25.5 °fH or 255 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Magdeburg?
For 255 mg/L (14.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Magdeburg?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: TWM GmbH - Trinkwasseranalyse WW Colbitz 2025 (Mittelwerte) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. TWM GmbH - Trinkwasseranalyse WW Colbitz 2025 (Mittelwerte) · Outdated figure? Tell us