Water hardness in Lucerne
14.7 °fH hard
Tap water in Lucerne is hard: 14.7 °fH (147 mg/L · 8.6 gpg · 8.2 °dH).
Source: ewl Energie Wasser Luzern - Wasserqualität (Chemische Durchschnittswerte) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 117–277 mg/L.
3 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °fH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Grundwasser (Kriens supply ~28 fH) | 27.7 | 277 | very hard |
| Quellwasser | 14.7 | 147 | hard |
| Seewasser | 11.7 | 117 | moderately hard |
ewl supplies spring water, groundwater and treated lake water from Lake Lucerne. ewl Energie Wasser Luzern reports a hardness of 147.0 mg/L CaCO₃ across 3 supply zones, with values from 117.0 to 277.0 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 | 14.7 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | ewl Energie Wasser Luzern |
How Lucerne compares
- Tap water in Lucerne is 45 % softer than the median of the 650 cities we track in Switzerland (26.7 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 584 of 650 in Switzerland (1 = hardest); 10 % of these cities have softer water.
- In LU it is number 34 of 39 cities; the regional median is 24.6 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Merenschwand, 24 km away (11.6 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Root, 8 km away (21.9 °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 Lucerne
| 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 Lucerne water hard or soft?
It is hard: 147 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.6 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne water?
8.6 gpg, equal to 8.2 °dH, 14.7 °fH or 147 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Lucerne?
For 147 mg/L (8.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Lucerne?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: ewl Energie Wasser Luzern - Wasserqualität (Chemische Durchschnittswerte) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. ewl Energie Wasser Luzern - Wasserqualität (Chemische Durchschnittswerte) · Outdated figure? Tell us