Water hardness in Zók
23.8 °dH very hard
Tap water in Zók is very hard: 23.8 °dH (425 mg/L · 24.8 gpg · 42.5 °fH).
Source: NNGYK — Magyarországi települések ivóvízminősége (HUMVI 2024) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-21
Supply in Baranya comes mainly from groundwater, including karst of the Mecsek and wells in the Drava and Danube valleys; the exact source for Zók is not confirmed here. Limestone in the Mecsek and carbonate-rich valley sediments explain the high calcium content; the 2024 national report lists Zók at 424.8 mg/L CaCO₃ (very hard). At this level scale builds quickly in heaters and washing machines, so descaling more often is needed.
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 | 23.8 °dH |
|---|
How Zók compares
- Tap water in Zók is 48 % harder than the median of the 3053 cities we track in Hungary (16.1 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 314 of 3053 in Hungary (1 = hardest); 89 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Baranya it is number 65 of 311 cities; the regional median is 20.7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Pécsbagota, 3 km away (17.4 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Szálka, 51 km away (30.2 °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 Zók
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H06 |
| Miele | 24 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 6 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| 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 Zók water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 425 mg/L as CaCO₃ (24.8 gpg, 23.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Zók 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 Zók water?
24.8 gpg, equal to 23.8 °dH, 42.5 °fH or 425 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Zók?
For 425 mg/L (23.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Zók?
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