Water hardness in Weiterstadt
19 °dH very hard
Tap water in Weiterstadt is very hard: 19 °dH (338 mg/L · 19.8 gpg · 33.8 °fH).
Source: Hessenwasser Analysendaten Versorgungsgebiet Darmstadt Stand 2025 re-hosted by Stadt Griesheim (2025) · data checked 2026-10-24
Range across supply zones: 328–348 mg/L.
Weiterstadt is listed under the Hessenwasser supply area Darmstadt, using its 2025 analysis data. The figure of 338.3 mg/L CaCO₃ is computed from the published values and sits within a range of 328.4 to 348.1 mg/L, so the whole area is very hard. Neighbouring Mörfelden-Walldorf, 5 km away, is much softer at 229.4 mg/L, so do not assume the same value across the Rhine-Main region. In practice, descaling intervals for kettles and coffee machines will be short.
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 | Hessenwasser - Versorgungsgebiet Darmstadt |
How Weiterstadt compares
- Tap water in Weiterstadt is 65 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 110 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 86 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Hessen it is number 10 of 73 cities; the regional median is 10.7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Mörfelden-Walldorf, 5 km away (12.9 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Nußloch, 72 km away (31.6 °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 Weiterstadt
| 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 Weiterstadt water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 338 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 Weiterstadt 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 Weiterstadt water?
19.8 gpg, equal to 19 °dH, 33.8 °fH or 338 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Weiterstadt?
For 338 mg/L (19 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Weiterstadt?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Hessenwasser Analysendaten Versorgungsgebiet Darmstadt Stand 2025 re-hosted by Stadt Griesheim (2025). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Hessenwasser Analysendaten Versorgungsgebiet Darmstadt Stand 2025 re-hosted by Stadt Griesheim · Outdated figure? Tell us