Water hardness in Potsdam
19 °dH very hard
Tap water in Potsdam is very hard: 19 °dH (339 mg/L · 19.8 gpg · 33.9 °fH).
Source: SWP/EWP Potsdam – Trinkwasserqualität / Härtebereiche (2026) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 214–393 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nördliche Stadtgebiete und südlich der Havel, Härtebereich 2-3 | 17 | 304 | very hard |
| Wildpark-Wasserwerk-Gebiet (West, Eiche, Golm, Innenstadt bis Berliner Vorstadt), Härtebereich 3 | 21 | 375 | very hard |
Energie und Wasser Potsdam (EWP) divides the city into two areas. The northern districts and the area south of the Havel fall in hardness range 2-3 at 303.5 mg/L CaCO₃. The Wildpark waterworks area, which covers the west and the inner city, falls in range 3 at 374.9 mg/L. The city figure of 339.2 mg/L is computed from these zones. Expect heavy limescale in either area.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 19 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Energie und Wasser Potsdam (EWP) |
How Potsdam compares
- Tap water in Potsdam is 65 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 104 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 87 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Brandenburg it is number 4 of 15 cities; the regional median is 16 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Rathenow, 55 km away (11.7 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Tangermünde, 76 km away (25.4 °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 Potsdam
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 19 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 5 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| 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 Potsdam water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 339 mg/L as CaCO₃ (19.8 gpg, 19 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Potsdam 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 Potsdam water?
19.8 gpg, equal to 19 °dH, 33.9 °fH or 339 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Potsdam?
For 339 mg/L (19 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Potsdam?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: SWP/EWP Potsdam – Trinkwasserqualität / Härtebereiche (2026). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. SWP/EWP Potsdam – Trinkwasserqualität / Härtebereiche · Outdated figure? Tell us