Water hardness in Chur
18.1 °fH very hard
Tap water in Chur is very hard: 18.1 °fH (181 mg/L · 10.6 gpg · 10.1 °dH).
Source: IBC Energie Wasser Chur (via SVGW trinkwasser.ch) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-21
Range across supply zones: 137–416 mg/L.
In Graubünden, drinking water comes from springs and groundwater, and the hardness depends strongly on the catchment rock: crystalline rock gives soft water, limestone and dolomite hard water. IBC Energie Wasser Chur reports a hardness of 181.0 mg/L CaCO₃, with values from 137.0 to 416.0 mg/L depending on the address. Scale forms quickly on heating elements and fittings, so a softener or strict descaling routine is worth considering.
In der Schweiz wird meist in °fH angegeben (1 °fH = 0,56 °dH).
Water data
| Total hardness | 18.1 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | IBC Energie Wasser Chur |
How Chur compares
- Tap water in Chur is 32 % softer than the median of the 650 cities we track in Switzerland (26.7 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 526 of 650 in Switzerland (1 = hardest); 19 % of these cities have softer water.
- In GR it is number 3 of 16 cities; the regional median is 14.7 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Mels, 21 km away (14 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Landquart, 11 km away (29 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Switzerland →
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 Chur
| 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 Chur water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 181 mg/L as CaCO₃ (10.6 gpg, 10.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Chur safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. In der Schweiz wird meist in °fH angegeben (1 °fH = 0,56 °dH).
How many grains per gallon is Chur water?
10.6 gpg, equal to 10.1 °dH, 18.1 °fH or 181 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Chur?
For 181 mg/L (10.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Chur?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: IBC Energie Wasser Chur (via SVGW trinkwasser.ch) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. IBC Energie Wasser Chur (via SVGW trinkwasser.ch) · Outdated figure? Tell us