Water hardness in Schwalmstadt
8.6 °dH hard
Tap water in Schwalmstadt is hard: 8.6 °dH (153 mg/L · 9 gpg · 15.3 °fH).
Source: Magistrat der Stadt Schwalmstadt - Trinkwasserqualitaet 2024/25 (Bericht vom 12.09.2025) (2025-09) · data checked 2026-11-03
Range across supply zones: 113–194 mg/L.
7 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Messstelle I Stadtteil Treysa | 7.7 | 138 | hard |
| Messstelle II Stadtteil Ziegenhain | 6.6 | 117 | moderately hard |
| Messstelle III Stadtteil Trutzhain | 6.3 | 113 | moderately hard |
| Messstelle IV Stadtteil Allendorf | 10.2 | 181 | very hard |
| Messstelle V Stadtteil Florshain | 8.6 | 153 | hard |
| Messstelle VI Stadtteile Dittershausen and Rommershausen | 10.8 | 194 | very hard |
| Messstelle VII Stadtteil Wiera | 9.4 | 167 | hard |
The Stadt Schwalmstadt drinking water report for 2024/25, dated 12 September 2025, lists seven measuring points. They range from 112.5 mg/L CaCO₃ in Trutzhain to 193.5 mg/L in Dittershausen/Rommershausen, with a median of 153.3 mg/L in the hard category. Treysa is at 138.0 mg/L and Allendorf at 181.2 mg/L, so the figure depends on the district.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.6 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Wasserwerk der Stadt Schwalmstadt |
How Schwalmstadt compares
- Tap water in Schwalmstadt is 25 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 551 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 32 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Hessen it is number 49 of 73 cities; the regional median is 10.7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Stadtallendorf, 13 km away (6.3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Gudensberg, 35 km away (12.5 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Schwalmstadt
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| 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 Schwalmstadt water hard or soft?
It is hard: 153 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9 gpg, 8.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Schwalmstadt 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 Schwalmstadt water?
9 gpg, equal to 8.6 °dH, 15.3 °fH or 153 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Schwalmstadt?
For 153 mg/L (8.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Schwalmstadt?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Magistrat der Stadt Schwalmstadt - Trinkwasserqualitaet 2024/25 (Bericht vom 12.09.2025) (2025-09). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Magistrat der Stadt Schwalmstadt - Trinkwasserqualitaet 2024/25 (Bericht vom 12.09.2025) · Outdated figure? Tell us