Water hardness in Merzig
4.1 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Merzig is moderately hard: 4.1 °dH (74 mg/L · 4.3 gpg · 7.3 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Merzig GmbH, Wasserqualität (Härte je Zone, Stand der Analysen 12/2025) (2025-12) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 69–210 mg/L.
18 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballern | 3.9 | 69 | moderately hard |
| Besseringen (links der Bezirkstraße) | 7.4 | 132 | hard |
| Besseringen (rechts der Bezirkstraße) | 4.4 | 78 | moderately hard |
| Bietzen | 7.4 | 132 | hard |
| Brotdorf | 4.9 | 87 | moderately hard |
| Büdingen | 3.9 | 69 | moderately hard |
| Fitten | 3.9 | 69 | moderately hard |
| Harlingen | 7.4 | 132 | hard |
| Hilbringen | 3.9 | 69 | moderately hard |
| Mechern | 3.9 | 69 | moderately hard |
| Menningen | 7.4 | 132 | hard |
| Merchingen | 7.4 | 132 | hard |
| Merzig | 7.4 | 132 | hard |
| Mondorf | 3.9 | 69 | moderately hard |
| Schwemlingen | 3.9 | 69 | moderately hard |
| Silwingen | 3.9 | 69 | moderately hard |
| Weiler | 3.9 | 69 | moderately hard |
| Wellingen | 11.7 | 210 | very hard |
Stadtwerke Merzig publishes hardness for 18 villages and districts, with analyses dated December 2025. The 73.5 mg/L CaCO₃ shown is the median of those zones, and most of the villages sit at 69.1 mg/L. Merzig itself is listed at 132.4 mg/L and Wellingen at 209.6 mg/L, so the headline figure understates the core town. Use your own district's value when you compare products.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.1 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Merzig GmbH |
How Merzig compares
- Tap water in Merzig is 64 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 770 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 5 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Saarland it is number 11 of 11 cities; the regional median is 7.9 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Hermeskeil, 32 km away (3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Beckingen, 4 km away (7.9 °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 Merzig
| 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 Merzig water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 74 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.3 gpg, 4.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Merzig 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 Merzig water?
4.3 gpg, equal to 4.1 °dH, 7.3 °fH or 74 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Merzig?
For 74 mg/L (4.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Merzig?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Merzig GmbH, Wasserqualität (Härte je Zone, Stand der Analysen 12/2025) (2025-12). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Merzig GmbH, Wasserqualität (Härte je Zone, Stand der Analysen 12/2025) · Outdated figure? Tell us