Water hardness in Bregenz
12.4 °dH very hard
Tap water in Bregenz is very hard: 12.4 °dH (222 mg/L · 13 gpg · 22.2 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Bregenz - Wasserqualität, Trinkwasserhärte-Werte (Stand 30.03.2026) (2026-03) · data checked 2026-10-21
Range across supply zones: 198–246 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Grundwasser Bregenz Stadt | 11.1 | 198 | very hard |
| Quellwasser Bregenz Fluh | 13.8 | 246 | very hard |
Stadtwerke Bregenz lists two separate sources: groundwater for the town and spring water from Fluh. The median is 222.2 mg/L CaCO₃, with the two values at 198.1 and 246.3 mg/L (status 30 March 2026). The page does not say which source reaches which district. At this level, limescale on kettles and taps is noticeable.
Angabe in °dH; Härtebereiche wie in Deutschland üblich.
Water data
| Total hardness | 12.4 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Bregenz GmbH |
How Bregenz compares
- Tap water in Bregenz is 11 % softer than the median of the 159 cities we track in Austria (14 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 95 of 159 in Austria (1 = hardest); 41 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Vorarlberg it is number 5 of 7 cities; the regional median is 13.4 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Rankweil, 27 km away (8 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Feldkirch, 32 km away (15.6 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Austria →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Bregenz
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 12 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Bregenz water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 222 mg/L as CaCO₃ (13 gpg, 12.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bregenz safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Angabe in °dH; Härtebereiche wie in Deutschland üblich.
How many grains per gallon is Bregenz water?
13 gpg, equal to 12.4 °dH, 22.2 °fH or 222 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bregenz?
For 222 mg/L (12.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Bregenz?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Bregenz - Wasserqualität, Trinkwasserhärte-Werte (Stand 30.03.2026) (2026-03). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Bregenz - Wasserqualität, Trinkwasserhärte-Werte (Stand 30.03.2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us