Water hardness in Usingen
6.7 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Usingen is moderately hard: 6.7 °dH (120 mg/L · 7 gpg · 12 °fH).
Source: Stadt Usingen – Trinkwasseranalyse 2024 (2024) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 89–202 mg/L.
7 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Eschbach | 6.7 | 120 | moderately hard |
| Kransberg | 8.1 | 145 | hard |
| Merzhausen | 5.9 | 105 | moderately hard |
| Michelbach | 6.7 | 120 | moderately hard |
| Usingen (Kernstadt) | 11.3 | 202 | very hard |
| Wernborn | 11.1 | 198 | very hard |
| Wilhelmsdorf | 5 | 89 | moderately hard |
Stadt Usingen's 2024 analysis covers seven districts, from 89.2 mg/L CaCO₃ in Wilhelmsdorf to 201.7 mg/L in the Kernstadt, with Wernborn close behind at 198.1 mg/L. The city figure of 119.6 mg/L is the median, which is also the value for Eschbach and Michelbach. Where you live decides whether the water is moderate or hard, so look up your Ortsteil.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.7 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Usingen |
How Usingen compares
- Tap water in Usingen is 42 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 658 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 18 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Hessen it is number 58 of 73 cities; the regional median is 10.7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Oberursel (Taunus), 15 km away (5.2 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Selters (Taunus), 9 km away (17.7 °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 Usingen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °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 Usingen water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 120 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7 gpg, 6.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Usingen 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 Usingen water?
7 gpg, equal to 6.7 °dH, 12 °fH or 120 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Usingen?
For 120 mg/L (6.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Usingen?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Stadt Usingen – Trinkwasseranalyse 2024 (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadt Usingen – Trinkwasseranalyse 2024 · Outdated figure? Tell us