Water hardness in Montabaur
8.9 °dH hard
Tap water in Montabaur is hard: 8.9 °dH (159 mg/L · 9.3 gpg · 15.9 °fH).
Source: Verbandsgemeindewerke Montabaur – Untersuchungsergebnisse Wasserversorgung 2025 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 71–214 mg/L.
5 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Montabaur (HB+AB Prinzenschlag) | 4.1 | 73 | moderately hard |
| Montabaur-Bladernheim | 11 | 196 | very hard |
| Montabaur-Elgendorf | 11 | 196 | very hard |
| Montabaur-Eschelbach | 4.1 | 73 | moderately hard |
| Montabaur-Ettersdorf | 8.9 | 159 | hard |
The 2025 results of the Verbandsgemeindewerke Montabaur list five zones from 73.2 mg/L CaCO₃ (the Prinzenschlag supply and Eschelbach) to 196.4 mg/L (Bladernheim and Elgendorf). Ettersdorf, at 158.9 mg/L, gives the city figure. Limburg an der Lahn, 17 km away, reports 415.9 mg/L, so check your own district before choosing a treatment.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.9 °dH |
|---|---|
| mmol_l | 0.73 |
| Utility | Verbandsgemeindewerke Montabaur |
How Montabaur compares
- Tap water in Montabaur is 23 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 539 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 33 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Rheinland-Pfalz it is number 15 of 25 cities; the regional median is 9.9 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Ransbach-Baumbach, 9 km away (4.3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Limburg an der Lahn, 17 km away (23.3 °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 Montabaur
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| 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 Montabaur water hard or soft?
It is hard: 159 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.3 gpg, 8.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Montabaur 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 Montabaur water?
9.3 gpg, equal to 8.9 °dH, 15.9 °fH or 159 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Montabaur?
For 159 mg/L (8.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Montabaur?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Verbandsgemeindewerke Montabaur – Untersuchungsergebnisse Wasserversorgung 2025 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Verbandsgemeindewerke Montabaur – Untersuchungsergebnisse Wasserversorgung 2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us