Water hardness in Tulcea
8.2 °dH hard
Tap water in Tulcea is hard: 8.2 °dH (146 mg/L · 8.5 gpg · 14.6 °fH).
Source: S.C. Aquaserv S.A. Tulcea, Monitorizare de control 2026, rezultate analize apa potabila, Septembrie 2026 (2026-09) · data checked 2026-10-22
Range across supply zones: 128–164 mg/L.
The figure for Tulcea, 8.19 °dH, is the midpoint of 12 results from the city's sampling points, which ranged from 7.18 to 9.20 °dH in the September 2026 bulletin of the utility Aquaserv Tulcea. Hardness therefore differs a little between points and from month to month. The bulletin lists total hardness with a minimum of 5 °dH and no upper limit, so this level is not a compliance issue. The bulletin does not name the water source, so we do not state one here. If scale matters at home, compare against the latest monthly bulletin.
Romanian operators report "duritate totală" in German degrees (grade germane); the minimum is 5 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.2 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | S.C. Aquaserv S.A. Tulcea |
How Tulcea compares
- Tap water in Tulcea is 50 % softer than the median of the 115 cities we track in Romania (16.3 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 101 of 115 in Romania (1 = hardest); 12 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Tulcea it is number 4 of 4 cities; the regional median is 12.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Isaccea, 28 km away (15 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Romania →
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 Tulcea
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| 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 Tulcea water hard or soft?
It is hard: 146 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.5 gpg, 8.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Tulcea safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Romanian operators report "duritate totală" in German degrees (grade germane); the minimum is 5 °dH.
How many grains per gallon is Tulcea water?
8.5 gpg, equal to 8.2 °dH, 14.6 °fH or 146 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Tulcea?
For 146 mg/L (8.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Tulcea?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: S.C. Aquaserv S.A. Tulcea, Monitorizare de control 2026, rezultate analize apa potabila, Septembrie 2026 (2026-09). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. S.C. Aquaserv S.A. Tulcea, Monitorizare de control 2026, rezultate analize apa potabila, Septembrie 2026 · Outdated figure? Tell us