Water hardness in Munich
15.8 °dH very hard
Tap water in Munich is very hard: 15.8 °dH (282 mg/L · 16.5 gpg · 28.2 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke München - Münchner Trinkwasser-Analysewerte, Stand Januar 2026 (2026-01) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 248–320 mg/L.
Stadtwerke München publishes one set of analysis values for the whole city, dated January 2026. The average is 282.0 mg/L CaCO₃ with a range of 248.1 to 319.5 mg/L, which is narrow compared with many large German cities. Expect limescale on kettles and shower screens throughout the city.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 15.8 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke München (SWM) |
How Munich compares
- Tap water in Munich is 37 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 235 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 71 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bayern it is number 69 of 137 cities; the regional median is 15.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Karlsfeld, 13 km away (2.6 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Planegg, 13 km away (20 °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 Munich
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 16 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| 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 Munich water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 282 mg/L as CaCO₃ (16.5 gpg, 15.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Munich 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 Munich water?
16.5 gpg, equal to 15.8 °dH, 28.2 °fH or 282 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Munich?
For 282 mg/L (15.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Munich?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke München - Münchner Trinkwasser-Analysewerte, Stand Januar 2026 (2026-01). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke München - Münchner Trinkwasser-Analysewerte, Stand Januar 2026 · Outdated figure? Tell us