Water hardness in Osterholz-Scharmbeck
6.5 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Osterholz-Scharmbeck is moderately hard: 6.5 °dH (116 mg/L · 6.8 gpg · 11.6 °fH).
Source: Osterholzer Stadtwerke – Wasser (2026) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 107–125 mg/L.
Osterholzer Stadtwerke publishes a range from 107.1 to 125.0 mg/L CaCO₃, and the city figure of 116.0 mg/L is computed from it. The narrow range suggests little variation within town. Bremen, 16 km away, is listed at 138.1 mg/L.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Osterholzer Stadtwerke |
How Osterholz-Scharmbeck compares
- Tap water in Osterholz-Scharmbeck is 43 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 676 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 16 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Niedersachsen it is number 72 of 94 cities; the regional median is 7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Kirchlinteln, 50 km away (4.6 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Lilienthal, 9 km away (12.5 °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 Osterholz-Scharmbeck
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 6 °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 Osterholz-Scharmbeck water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 116 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.8 gpg, 6.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Osterholz-Scharmbeck 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 Osterholz-Scharmbeck water?
6.8 gpg, equal to 6.5 °dH, 11.6 °fH or 116 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Osterholz-Scharmbeck?
For 116 mg/L (6.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Osterholz-Scharmbeck?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Osterholzer Stadtwerke – Wasser (2026). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Osterholzer Stadtwerke – Wasser · Outdated figure? Tell us