Water hardness in Niedernhausen
5.2 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Niedernhausen is moderately hard: 5.2 °dH (94 mg/L · 5.5 gpg · 9.4 °fH).
Source: Gemeinde Niedernhausen – Trinkwasseranalyse (Institut Fresenius Prüfbericht 6324816), Probe 04.04.2023 (2023) · data checked 2026-11-02
Range across supply zones: 77–111 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Niedernhausen/Hahn (Kindergarten Ahornstraße 11, Übergabestelle Hahn) | 6.2 | 111 | moderately hard |
| Oberjosbach (Ortsnetz Tiefzone, Kindergarten Im Herrngarten 4) | 4.3 | 77 | moderately hard |
The Institut Fresenius report for Niedernhausen (sample of 4 April 2023) measured 93.7 mg/L CaCO₃ as the city figure, between two sampling points: 110.7 mg/L at Niedernhausen/Hahn and 76.8 mg/L in Oberjosbach. Calcium is 19.5 mg/L and magnesium 6.67 mg/L. This is moderate water, much softer than Hofheim am Taunus (351.6 mg/L).
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5.2 °dH |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 19.5 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 6.67 |
| hardness_mmol_l | 0.76 |
| Utility | Gemeinde Niedernhausen Wasserversorgung |
How Niedernhausen compares
- Tap water in Niedernhausen is 54 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 730 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 10 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Hessen it is number 65 of 73 cities; the regional median is 10.7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Idar-Oberstein, 88 km away (3.4 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Eppstein, 6 km away (6.7 °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 Niedernhausen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Niedernhausen water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 94 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.5 gpg, 5.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Niedernhausen 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 Niedernhausen water?
5.5 gpg, equal to 5.2 °dH, 9.4 °fH or 94 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Niedernhausen?
For 94 mg/L (5.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Niedernhausen?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Gemeinde Niedernhausen – Trinkwasseranalyse (Institut Fresenius Prüfbericht 6324816), Probe 04.04.2023 (2023). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Gemeinde Niedernhausen – Trinkwasseranalyse (Institut Fresenius Prüfbericht 6324816), Probe 04.04.2023 · Outdated figure? Tell us