Water hardness in Rathenow
11.7 °dH very hard
Tap water in Rathenow is very hard: 11.7 °dH (210 mg/L · 12.2 gpg · 21 °fH).
Source: WAV Rathenow, Wasserwerke (web page) (date not specified) · data checked 2026-11-12
Range across supply zones: 152–268 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Süd/West (Wasserwerk Premnitz) | 8.5 | 152 | hard |
| Wasserwerk Rathenow | 15 | 268 | very hard |
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 11.7 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Wasser- und Abwasserverband Rathenow (WAV RN) |
How Rathenow compares
- Tap water in Rathenow is close to the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 393 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 51 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Brandenburg it is number 13 of 15 cities; the regional median is 16 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Lutherstadt Wittenberg, 85 km away (8.3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Tangermünde, 26 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 Rathenow
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 12 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| LG | H2 |
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 Rathenow water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 210 mg/L as CaCO₃ (12.2 gpg, 11.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Rathenow 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 Rathenow water?
12.2 gpg, equal to 11.7 °dH, 21 °fH or 210 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Rathenow?
For 210 mg/L (11.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Rathenow?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: WAV Rathenow, Wasserwerke (web page) (date not specified). Method: figure published by the water supplier. WAV Rathenow, Wasserwerke (web page) · Outdated figure? Tell us