Water hardness in Lauterach
11.6 °dH very hard
Tap water in Lauterach is very hard: 11.6 °dH (207 mg/L · 12.1 gpg · 20.7 °fH).
Source: Umweltinstitut Vorarlberg, Prüfbericht Trinkwasser, Marktgemeinde Lauterach (Auftragsnummer 613-0/2025-UI) (2025-07) · data checked 2026-10-22
Lauterach's figure of 207.1 mg/L CaCO₃ comes from a 2025 laboratory report on the public well, sampled after UV treatment on 12 May 2025. The laboratory computed the hardness from the acid capacity, and no range or zone split is printed. Limescale on heating elements and taps is to be expected.
Angabe in °dH; Härtebereiche wie in Deutschland üblich.
Water data
| Total hardness | 11.6 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Marktgemeinde Lauterach (Wasserwerk, PW Lauterach public well) |
How Lauterach compares
- Tap water in Lauterach is 17 % softer than the median of the 159 cities we track in Austria (14 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 104 of 159 in Austria (1 = hardest); 32 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Vorarlberg it is number 6 of 7 cities; the regional median is 13.4 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Rankweil, 24 km away (8 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Feldkirch, 28 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 Lauterach
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| 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 Lauterach water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 207 mg/L as CaCO₃ (12.1 gpg, 11.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Lauterach 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 Lauterach water?
12.1 gpg, equal to 11.6 °dH, 20.7 °fH or 207 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Lauterach?
For 207 mg/L (11.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Lauterach?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Umweltinstitut Vorarlberg, Prüfbericht Trinkwasser, Marktgemeinde Lauterach (Auftragsnummer 613-0/2025-UI) (2025-07). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Umweltinstitut Vorarlberg, Prüfbericht Trinkwasser, Marktgemeinde Lauterach (Auftragsnummer 613-0/2025-UI) · Outdated figure? Tell us