Zurich vs London
Water hardness comparison — how the two cities differ and what it means for your home.
Zurich
switzerland
166mg/L
Hard Water
11.62°e
Hard
Base Unit (CaCO3): 166 mg/LLocal Unit
HarderFull London data →
London
united kingdom
277mg/L
Very Hard Water
19.39°e
Very Hard
Base Unit (CaCO3): 277 mg/LLocal Unit
Side-by-Side Impact
| Impact Area | Zurich | London |
|---|---|---|
| Limescale buildup | Moderate — monthly descaling | Rapid — visible within weeks |
| Boiler/heating risk | Monitor annually | Annual descaling required |
| Dishwasher salt setting | High salt setting (3–5) | Max salt setting (5–7) |
| Skin & hair impact | Moderate risk | High eczema/dry skin risk |
| Detergent usage | +15–25% more | +30–40% more detergent |
Key Findings
Hardness Difference: 111 mg/L
London is significantly harder than Zurich — a difference that has major household implications. Appliances, boiler warranties, and detergent costs will differ substantially.
Moving from Zurich to London?
If you're relocating from Zurich to London, expect visible limescale on taps and shower heads within weeks. You'll need to recalibrate your dishwasher's salt setting, increase kettle descaling frequency, and check your boiler warranty requirements. A shower filter and under-sink scale inhibitor are worth considering immediately.