Water hardness in Baden-Baden
5.9 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Baden-Baden is moderately hard: 5.9 °dH (105 mg/L · 6.2 gpg · 10.5 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Baden-Baden, Trinkwasseranalyse Stand März 2026 (2026-03) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 61–179 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lichtental, Oberbeuern, Geroldsau, Ebersteinburg (Quellwasser, Wasserwerk Grobbach/Plättiggruppe) | 3.4 | 61 | moderately hard |
| Sandweier, Haueneberstein (Wasserwerk Sandweier, Grundwasser) | 8.4 | 150 | hard |
Stadtwerke Baden-Baden publishes an analysis dated March 2026 for two supply zones. The city median is 105.3 mg/L CaCO₃, with zones ranging from 60.7 to 178.5 mg/L. That is a wide spread, so the hardness at your address depends on which zone supplies it. Check the utility's zone information before buying any treatment.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5.9 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Baden-Baden |
How Baden-Baden compares
- Tap water in Baden-Baden is 49 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 702 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 13 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Baden-Württemberg it is number 134 of 146 cities; the regional median is 12.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Forbach (Murgtal), 12 km away (4.5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Gaggenau, 8 km away (7.5 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Baden-Baden
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 6 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Baden-Baden water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 105 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.2 gpg, 5.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden water?
6.2 gpg, equal to 5.9 °dH, 10.5 °fH or 105 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Baden-Baden?
For 105 mg/L (5.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Baden-Baden?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Baden-Baden, Trinkwasseranalyse Stand März 2026 (2026-03). Method: own measurement. Stadtwerke Baden-Baden, Trinkwasseranalyse Stand März 2026 · Outdated figure? Tell us