Water hardness in Plauen
3.8 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Plauen is moderately hard: 3.8 °dH (69 mg/L · 4 gpg · 6.9 °fH).
Source: ZWAV Plauen, Härtebereiche der Versorgungszonen (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 52–187 mg/L.
ZWAV Plauen publishes hardness ranges by supply zone, and the median for Plauen is 68.7 mg/L CaCO₃, in the moderate category. The spread is unusually wide, from 51.8 to 187.4 mg/L, so the zone your address belongs to matters a great deal. Check the ZWAV zone table before deciding whether you need treatment.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.8 °dH |
|---|
How Plauen compares
- Tap water in Plauen is 67 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 780 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 4 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Sachsen it is number 32 of 38 cities; the regional median is 5.2 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Neuensalz, 6 km away (2.9 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Weischlitz, 7 km away (10.5 °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 Plauen
| 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 Plauen water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 69 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4 gpg, 3.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Plauen 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 Plauen water?
4 gpg, equal to 3.8 °dH, 6.9 °fH or 69 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Plauen?
For 69 mg/L (3.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Plauen?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: ZWAV Plauen, Härtebereiche der Versorgungszonen (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. ZWAV Plauen, Härtebereiche der Versorgungszonen · Outdated figure? Tell us