Water hardness in St. Gallen
16.2 °fH hard
Tap water in St. Gallen is hard: 16.2 °fH (162 mg/L · 9.5 gpg · 9.1 °dH).
Source: St.Galler Stadtwerke (via SVGW trinkwasser.ch) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-21
In eastern Switzerland, drinking water comes from groundwater, hill springs and in places lake water, depending on the supply area. St.Galler Stadtwerke reports a hardness of 162.0 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 | 16.2 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | St.Galler Stadtwerke |
How St. Gallen compares
- Tap water in St. Gallen is 39 % softer than the median of the 650 cities we track in Switzerland (26.7 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 558 of 650 in Switzerland (1 = hardest); 14 % of these cities have softer water.
- In SG it is number 43 of 51 cities; the regional median is 25.3 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Appenzell, 11 km away (10.9 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Gaiserwald, 4 km away (31 °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 St. Gallen
| 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 St. Gallen water hard or soft?
It is hard: 162 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.5 gpg, 9.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in St. Gallen 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 St. Gallen water?
9.5 gpg, equal to 9.1 °dH, 16.2 °fH or 162 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in St. Gallen?
For 162 mg/L (9.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in St. Gallen?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: St.Galler Stadtwerke (via SVGW trinkwasser.ch) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. St.Galler Stadtwerke (via SVGW trinkwasser.ch) · Outdated figure? Tell us