Water hardness in Zittau
5 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Zittau is moderately hard: 5 °dH (89 mg/L · 5.2 gpg · 8.9 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Zittau – Wasserqualität (2026) · data checked 2026-11-02
Range across supply zones: 54–125 mg/L.
Stadtwerke Zittau reports water from its Eichgraben waterworks, with a computed figure of 89.3 mg/L CaCO₃ and a range of 53.6 to 125.0 mg/L. That is moderate, and the softest value among the towns around it in our data. Scale builds up slowly, so a softener is rarely needed, but check the utility's page for the value at your address.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Zittau GmbH (Wasserwerk Eichgraben) |
How Zittau compares
- Tap water in Zittau is 57 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 735 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 9 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Sachsen it is number 20 of 38 cities; the regional median is 5.2 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Löbau, 24 km away (7.3 °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 Zittau
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °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 Zittau water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 89 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.2 gpg, 5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Zittau 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 Zittau water?
5.2 gpg, equal to 5 °dH, 8.9 °fH or 89 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Zittau?
For 89 mg/L (5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Zittau?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Zittau – Wasserqualität (2026). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Stadtwerke Zittau – Wasserqualität · Outdated figure? Tell us