Water hardness in Paks
12.9 °dH very hard
Tap water in Paks is very hard: 12.9 °dH (230 mg/L · 13.4 gpg · 23 °fH).
Source: NNGYK — Magyarországi települések ivóvízminősége (HUMVI 2024) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-21
Paks is in Tolna county, where Danube-side wells and local wells are the usual sources; the exact supply here is not confirmed. Water filtered through the Danube's gravel banks carries calcium and magnesium from limestone and dolomite in the river's catchment, which usually makes it hard; the 2024 national report puts Paks at 230.2 mg/L CaCO₃, a very hard reading. Visible limescale on taps and in kettles is normal at this level, and dishwasher salt is recommended.
Hungarian suppliers report total hardness in German degrees (nk°) or mg/L CaO; the limit is 50–350 mg/L CaO.
Water data
| Total hardness | 12.9 °dH |
|---|
How Paks compares
- Tap water in Paks is 20 % softer than the median of the 3053 cities we track in Hungary (16.1 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 2078 of 3053 in Hungary (1 = hardest); 31 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Tolna it is number 86 of 110 cities; the regional median is 17 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Kajdacs, 19 km away (6.9 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Dunaszentbenedek, 4 km away (35.5 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Hungary →
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 Paks
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 13 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Paks water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 230 mg/L as CaCO₃ (13.4 gpg, 12.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Paks safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Hungarian suppliers report total hardness in German degrees (nk°) or mg/L CaO; the limit is 50–350 mg/L CaO.
How many grains per gallon is Paks water?
13.4 gpg, equal to 12.9 °dH, 23 °fH or 230 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Paks?
For 230 mg/L (12.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Paks?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: NNGYK — Magyarországi települések ivóvízminősége (HUMVI 2024) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. NNGYK — Magyarországi települések ivóvízminősége (HUMVI 2024) · Outdated figure? Tell us