Water hardness
German: Wasserhärte Also known as: Härtegrad
Measure of dissolved calcium and magnesium salts in water, stated in degrees of German hardness (°dH).
Water hardness describes how many calcium and magnesium salts are dissolved in water. In Germany it is stated in degrees of German hardness (°dH) or in millimoles of calcium carbonate per litre. Under the German detergent act water is classed as soft, medium and hard.
For mineral water hardness is not required to be stated; the mineral values on the label allow an estimate. Hardness influences taste and can show up in households as limescale deposits.
Related terms
Medicinal waterLow-sodium mineral waterNatural mineral waterSpring water
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