Water hardness in Saarbrücken
6.2 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Saarbrücken is moderately hard: 6.2 °dH (111 mg/L · 6.5 gpg · 11.1 °fH).
Source: Saarbrücker Stadtwerke Trinkwasseranalysen (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 86–250 mg/L.
4 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hochbehälter Altenkessel | 4.9 | 88 | moderately hard |
| Versorgungsbereich Wasserwerk Bliestal GmbH | 7.5 | 134 | hard |
| Versorgungsbereich Wasserwerk Rentrisch | 4.8 | 86 | moderately hard |
| Versorgungsbereich Wasserwerk St. Arnual | 14 | 250 | very hard |
Saarbrücker Stadtwerke publishes single-day analyses from June 2026 for four supply points: St. Arnual, Rentrisch, Bliestal and the Altenkessel reservoir. The median is 110.7 mg/L CaCO₃ and the range is 85.7 to 249.9 mg/L, with St. Arnual clearly the hardest. These are single samples, not annual means. Your district decides which water you get.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.2 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Saarbrücker Stadtwerke |
How Saarbrücken compares
- Tap water in Saarbrücken is 46 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 689 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 15 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Saarland it is number 9 of 11 cities; the regional median is 7.9 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Merzig, 34 km away (4.1 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Heusweiler, 12 km away (12 °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 Saarbrücken
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| 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 Saarbrücken water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 111 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.5 gpg, 6.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Saarbrücken 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 Saarbrücken water?
6.5 gpg, equal to 6.2 °dH, 11.1 °fH or 111 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Saarbrücken?
For 111 mg/L (6.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Saarbrücken?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Saarbrücker Stadtwerke Trinkwasseranalysen (2026-06). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Saarbrücker Stadtwerke Trinkwasseranalysen · Outdated figure? Tell us