Water hardness in Pirmasens
3.9 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Pirmasens is moderately hard: 3.9 °dH (70 mg/L · 4.1 gpg · 7 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Pirmasens, Wasserqualität Analysenübersicht (Stand 26.09.2025) (2025-09) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 70–80 mg/L.
3 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Netzprobe gesamt (network sample, 23.06.2025) | 3.9 | 70 | moderately hard |
| Wasserwerk Eichköpfchen (sampled 07.10.2024) | 4.5 | 80 | moderately hard |
| Wasserwerk Rodalben (sampled 17.03.2025) | 3.9 | 70 | moderately hard |
Stadtwerke Pirmasens publishes an analysis overview dated September 2025. It combines a network sample of 70.1 mg/L CaCO₃ with the Rodalben waterworks at 70.1 mg/L and the Eichköpfchen waterworks at 80.1 mg/L, so the town figure is 70.1 mg/L, in the moderate band. The samples were taken on different dates between 2024 and 2025. This is far below Karlsruhe at 329.3 mg/L, so scale is a smaller concern here than in much of Germany.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.9 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Pirmasens |
How Pirmasens compares
- Tap water in Pirmasens is 66 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 774 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 4 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Rheinland-Pfalz it is number 22 of 25 cities; the regional median is 9.9 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Annweiler am Trifels, 26 km away (2.9 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Homburg, 23 km away (6.4 °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 Pirmasens
| 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 Pirmasens water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 70 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.1 gpg, 3.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Pirmasens 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 Pirmasens water?
4.1 gpg, equal to 3.9 °dH, 7 °fH or 70 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Pirmasens?
For 70 mg/L (3.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Pirmasens?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Pirmasens, Wasserqualität Analysenübersicht (Stand 26.09.2025) (2025-09). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Pirmasens, Wasserqualität Analysenübersicht (Stand 26.09.2025) · Outdated figure? Tell us