Water hardness in Emmen
16 °fH hard
Tap water in Emmen is hard: 16 °fH (160 mg/L · 9.3 gpg · 9 °dH).
Source: Einwohnergemeinde Emmen (via SVGW trinkwasser.ch) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-21
In central Switzerland, drinking water comes from springs, groundwater and in part treated lake water. Einwohnergemeinde Emmen reports a hardness of 159.8 mg/L CaCO₃. Kettles, shower heads and washing machine heating elements scale up noticeably, so regular descaling is worthwhile.
In der Schweiz wird meist in °fH angegeben (1 °fH = 0,56 °dH).
Water data
| Total hardness | 16 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Einwohnergemeinde Emmen |
How Emmen compares
- Tap water in Emmen is 40 % softer than the median of the 650 cities we track in Switzerland (26.7 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 564 of 650 in Switzerland (1 = hardest); 13 % of these cities have softer water.
- In LU it is number 32 of 39 cities; the regional median is 24.6 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Horw, 7 km away (12.8 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Malters, 8 km away (23.8 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Switzerland →
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 Emmen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °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 Emmen water hard or soft?
It is hard: 160 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.3 gpg, 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 Emmen 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 Emmen water?
9.3 gpg, equal to 9 °dH, 16 °fH or 160 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Emmen?
For 160 mg/L (9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Emmen?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Einwohnergemeinde Emmen (via SVGW trinkwasser.ch) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Einwohnergemeinde Emmen (via SVGW trinkwasser.ch) · Outdated figure? Tell us