Water hardness in Esch-sur-Alzette
17.6 °fH hard
Tap water in Esch-sur-Alzette is hard: 17.6 °fH (176 mg/L · 10.3 gpg · 9.8 °dH).
Source: Administration de la gestion de l'eau (AGE), Dureté de l'eau (data.public.lu, CC0) (2022) · data checked 2026-10-20
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Luxembourg's public supply relies largely on springs and wells in the Luxembourg sandstone, with some surface water from the Upper Sûre reservoir supplied via the SEBES syndicate. The reported hardness is 175.5 mg/L CaCO₃. This figure dates from 2022 and may have changed. Limescale is visible on kettles, taps and heaters, and a scale-reduction filter or softener can help protect appliances.
Luxembourg communes report hardness in °fH (and °dH).
Water data
| Total hardness | 17.6 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Commune de Esch-sur-Alzette |
How Esch-sur-Alzette compares
- Tap water in Esch-sur-Alzette is close to the median of the 101 cities we track in Luxembourg (18.2 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 55 of 101 in Luxembourg (1 = hardest); 45 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Esch-sur-Alzette it is number 4 of 14 cities; the regional median is 16.8 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Hesperange, 15 km away (12.8 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Mamer, 15 km away (23.6 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Luxembourg →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Esch-sur-Alzette
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 10 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| 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 Esch-sur-Alzette water hard or soft?
It is hard: 176 mg/L as CaCO₃ (10.3 gpg, 9.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Esch-sur-Alzette safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Luxembourg communes report hardness in °fH (and °dH).
How many grains per gallon is Esch-sur-Alzette water?
10.3 gpg, equal to 9.8 °dH, 17.6 °fH or 176 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Esch-sur-Alzette?
For 176 mg/L (9.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Esch-sur-Alzette?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Administration de la gestion de l'eau (AGE), Dureté de l'eau (data.public.lu, CC0) (2022). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Administration de la gestion de l'eau (AGE), Dureté de l'eau (data.public.lu, CC0) · Outdated figure? Tell us