Water hardness in Bad Reichenhall
12.2 °dH very hard
Tap water in Bad Reichenhall is very hard: 12.2 °dH (218 mg/L · 12.7 gpg · 21.8 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Bad Reichenhall, Trinkwasseranalyse 2025 (Parameter Gruppe B, Labor Dr. Feierabend, Prüfbericht 2507-53545) (2025-07) · data checked 2026-11-03
Stadtwerke Bad Reichenhall's 2025 analysis includes one measured sample from the network, taken in July 2025, which gives 217.8 mg/L CaCO₃. A web page by the utility gives an undated, approximate lower value, so the dated report is used instead. One sampling point does not show variation within the town. Descaling kettles and coffee machines is a sensible routine at this level.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 12.2 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Bad Reichenhall |
How Bad Reichenhall compares
- Tap water in Bad Reichenhall is 6 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 376 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 53 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bayern it is number 97 of 137 cities; the regional median is 15.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Altötting, 57 km away (7.7 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Ainring, 17 km away (19.7 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
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 Bad Reichenhall
| 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 Bad Reichenhall water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 218 mg/L as CaCO₃ (12.7 gpg, 12.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bad Reichenhall 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 Bad Reichenhall water?
12.7 gpg, equal to 12.2 °dH, 21.8 °fH or 218 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bad Reichenhall?
For 218 mg/L (12.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Bad Reichenhall?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Bad Reichenhall, Trinkwasseranalyse 2025 (Parameter Gruppe B, Labor Dr. Feierabend, Prüfbericht 2507-53545) (2025-07). Method: own measurement. Stadtwerke Bad Reichenhall, Trinkwasseranalyse 2025 (Parameter Gruppe B, Labor Dr. Feierabend, Prüfbericht 2507-53545) · Outdated figure? Tell us