Waterhardness Directory

Welcome to our water hardness directory. Here we combine the water hardness of all German towns and cities. Just use the search to search for your place. If there is no value yet, you are welcome to enter the water hardness yourself. Find out how to do it.

There are now many discussions on tap water. One of the main topics of discussion is the distinction between hard and soft water. The nature of tap water is not the same everywhere. Rather, the tap water is subject to fluctuations in quality depending on the individual requirements. But what is better? Soft or hard water? What is the difference and how can hard water become soft water? Here you will find all important information about water hardness.

What is meant by water hardness?

The hardness of the water is determined by the concentration of hardness-forming elements in the water. These hardness constituents include, in particular, the alkaline earth metals magnesium and calcium, and in very small amounts also strontium and barium. The hardness is calculated from the amount of magnesium or calcium ions in the water. Hard water has correspondingly more ions than soft water. Although calcium and magnesium are dissolved in the water, they eventually combine with insoluble substances such as lime. Therefore, hard tap water is often recognized by limescale deposits on the faucet. In a high concentration, the metal deposits cause damage and blockages in the pipes. The hardness formers enter the groundwater via the soil or are transported via aquifers into the water. By comparison, rainwater usually contains virtually no hardening elements.

Advantages and disadvantages of hard and soft water

Soft water is better than drinking water, watering plants and cleaning dishes. It has a disadvantage on the foaming during the washing process and on the washability of soap when washing hands. Hard water helps to break solid encrustations on the dishes, but also requires more washing and rinsing agents. If hard water is used regularly for the operation of heaters or domestic appliances (for example, coffee machines or kettles), scale eventually forms on the appliances. In addition, hard water can contribute in the long term to calcification and blockage of the pipes. For home use, soft water is therefore better.

How can hard water be softened?

When converting hard water into soft water, filtration systems have the best results. Here, the tap water is released from metals. In this way, the usability of the water is improved. Household appliances have a longer life, the water is easier to digest for plants and the overall water quality is increased. Unfortunately, filters usually do not help protect the pipes. Filters are first attached to the valve, so they have no effect on the hardness of the water inside the inlet pipes.

Conclusion

The nature of tap water has an impact on many applications. Whether it is the use in the plant breeding, as drinking water or in the household, soft water is to be preferred in principle. Unfortunately, the quality of the tap water always depends on the environment and the sanitary systems. Therefore, it pays to rely on a filter system for filtering metals. It allows consumers to quickly and easily convert hard tap water into soft water and then use it.