Water hardness in Albstadt
9.1 °dH hard
Tap water in Albstadt is hard: 9.1 °dH (163 mg/L · 9.5 gpg · 16.3 °fH).
Source: Bodensee-Wasserversorgung (BWV), Trinkwasseranalyse Jahresmittelwerte 2025 (linked by Albstadtwerke) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-22
Albstadtwerke link to the Bodensee-Wasserversorgung (BWV) report, which gives 2025 annual means of 162.6 mg/L CaCO₃. Konstanz reports a nearly identical 163.7 mg/L, while Tübingen (225.8 mg/L) and Sindelfingen (294.5 mg/L) are harder. Hardness is in the upper half of the scale but well below many cities nearby.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9.1 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Albstadtwerke (ASW) |
How Albstadt compares
- Tap water in Albstadt is 21 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 515 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 36 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Baden-Württemberg it is number 107 of 146 cities; the regional median is 12.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Pfalzgrafenweiler, 37 km away (3.5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Balingen, 11 km away (16.5 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Albstadt
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| 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 Albstadt water hard or soft?
It is hard: 163 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.5 gpg, 9.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Albstadt safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
How many grains per gallon is Albstadt water?
9.5 gpg, equal to 9.1 °dH, 16.3 °fH or 163 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Albstadt?
For 163 mg/L (9.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Albstadt?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Bodensee-Wasserversorgung (BWV), Trinkwasseranalyse Jahresmittelwerte 2025 (linked by Albstadtwerke) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Bodensee-Wasserversorgung (BWV), Trinkwasseranalyse Jahresmittelwerte 2025 (linked by Albstadtwerke) · Outdated figure? Tell us