Water hardness in Bad Soden am Taunus
16.4 °dH very hard
Tap water in Bad Soden am Taunus is very hard: 16.4 °dH (293 mg/L · 17.1 gpg · 29.3 °fH).
Source: Stadt Bad Soden am Taunus – Wasserhärte je Versorgungszone (Prüfbericht 03/2026) (2026-03) · data checked 2026-11-02
Range across supply zones: 212–309 mg/L.
5 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Altenhain | 16.4 | 293 | very hard |
| Kernstadt Hochzone (HB Gickels) | 16.5 | 295 | very hard |
| Kernstadt Tiefzone (HB Dachberg) | 17.3 | 309 | very hard |
| Neuenhain Hochzone | 14.5 | 259 | very hard |
| Neuenhain Niederzone | 11.9 | 212 | very hard |
The town's March 2026 test report lists five zones between 212.4 mg/L CaCO₃ (Neuenhain Niederzone) and 308.8 mg/L (Kernstadt Tiefzone). Altenhain, at 292.7 mg/L, gives the city figure, and calcium is reported at 93.6 mg/L. Use the street directory on the town's page to find your zone.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 16.4 °dH |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 93.6 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 14.5 |
| Utility | Stadtwerke Bad Soden am Taunus |
How Bad Soden am Taunus compares
- Tap water in Bad Soden am Taunus is 43 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 208 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 74 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Hessen it is number 21 of 73 cities; the regional median is 10.7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Eppstein, 8 km away (6.7 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Rüsselsheim am Main, 18 km away (22.4 °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 Soden am Taunus
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 16 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Soden am Taunus water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 293 mg/L as CaCO₃ (17.1 gpg, 16.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bad Soden am Taunus 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 Soden am Taunus water?
17.1 gpg, equal to 16.4 °dH, 29.3 °fH or 293 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bad Soden am Taunus?
For 293 mg/L (16.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Bad Soden am Taunus?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadt Bad Soden am Taunus – Wasserhärte je Versorgungszone (Prüfbericht 03/2026) (2026-03). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadt Bad Soden am Taunus – Wasserhärte je Versorgungszone (Prüfbericht 03/2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us