Water hardness in Würzburg
40.4 °dH very hard
Tap water in Würzburg is very hard: 40.4 °dH (721 mg/L · 42.1 gpg · 72.1 °fH).
Source: WVV Analysewerte 2025 Hochbehälter Versbach (2025) · data checked 2026-10-22
The 721.1 mg/L CaCO₃ figure is from the 2025 WVV analysis of the Versbach service reservoir. It is by far the highest value among nearby cities: Aschaffenburg reports 221.3 mg/L and Bamberg 320.4 mg/L. We have not verified whether other parts of the city receive different water, so treat the number as one reservoir's supply. Limescale protection for heaters and appliances is worth considering.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 40.4 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Würzburg AG (WVV) / Trinkwasserversorgung Würzburg GmbH |
How Würzburg compares
- Tap water in Würzburg is 251 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 1 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 100 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bayern it is number 1 of 137 cities; the regional median is 15.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Rimpar, 6 km away (23.7 °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 Würzburg
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H07 |
| Miele | 40 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 8 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S5 |
| LG | H4 |
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 Würzburg water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 721 mg/L as CaCO₃ (42.1 gpg, 40.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Würzburg 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 Würzburg water?
42.1 gpg, equal to 40.4 °dH, 72.1 °fH or 721 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Würzburg?
For 721 mg/L (40.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Würzburg?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: WVV Analysewerte 2025 Hochbehälter Versbach (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. WVV Analysewerte 2025 Hochbehälter Versbach · Outdated figure? Tell us