Water hardness in Lausanne
17.9 °fH hard
Tap water in Lausanne is hard: 17.9 °fH (179 mg/L · 10.5 gpg · 10 °dH).
Source: Ville de Lausanne - Résultats physico-chimiques 2025 (Statistiques 2025 / Chimie) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 138–220 mg/L.
14 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °fH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Réservoir Bellevaux | 18.9 | 189 | very hard |
| Réservoir Calvaire | 19.3 | 193 | very hard |
| Réservoir Chablière | 15.6 | 156 | hard |
| Réservoir Chailly 2000 | 18.4 | 184 | very hard |
| Réservoir Châtaignier | 16.3 | 163 | hard |
| Réservoir Dailles | 20.1 | 201 | very hard |
| Réservoir Grangette | 17.7 | 177 | hard |
| Réservoir Haute-Pierre | 14 | 140 | hard |
| Réservoir Marjolatte | 15.7 | 157 | hard |
| Réservoir Montagne du Château | 18.1 | 181 | very hard |
| Réservoir Montalègre | 13.9 | 139 | hard |
| Réservoir Montétan | 14 | 140 | hard |
| Réservoir Sauvabelin | 18.1 | 181 | very hard |
| Réservoir Vernand | 20.3 | 203 | very hard |
Around Lake Geneva, drinking water comes mostly from the lake, supplemented by groundwater and springs. Service de l'eau de la Ville de Lausanne reports a hardness of 179.0 mg/L CaCO₃ across 14 supply zones, with values from 138.0 to 220.0 mg/L depending on the address. 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 | 17.9 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Service de l'eau de la Ville de Lausanne |
How Lausanne compares
- Tap water in Lausanne is 33 % softer than the median of the 650 cities we track in Switzerland (26.7 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 531 of 650 in Switzerland (1 = hardest); 18 % of these cities have softer water.
- In VD it is number 12 of 15 cities; the regional median is 25.2 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Chamoson, 57 km away (13.9 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Morges, 11 km away (32 °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 Lausanne
| 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 Lausanne water hard or soft?
It is hard: 179 mg/L as CaCO₃ (10.5 gpg, 10 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Lausanne 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 Lausanne water?
10.5 gpg, equal to 10 °dH, 17.9 °fH or 179 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Lausanne?
For 179 mg/L (10 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Lausanne?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Ville de Lausanne - Résultats physico-chimiques 2025 (Statistiques 2025 / Chimie) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Ville de Lausanne - Résultats physico-chimiques 2025 (Statistiques 2025 / Chimie) · Outdated figure? Tell us