Water hardness in Bamberg
17.9 °dH very hard
Tap water in Bamberg is very hard: 17.9 °dH (320 mg/L · 18.7 gpg · 32 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Bamberg, Haertegrade by zone (Pruefberichte 2026) (2026-04) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 234–325 mg/L.
4 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bamberg-Ost (Fernwasser) | 13.1 | 234 | very hard |
| Berggebiet | 18.2 | 325 | very hard |
| Gaustadt | 17.9 | 320 | very hard |
| Inselgebiet | 18 | 321 | very hard |
Stadtwerke Bamberg lists four supply zones, with a median of 320.4 mg/L CaCO₃ and a range of 233.8 to 324.8 mg/L. Gaustadt, Inselgebiet and Berggebiet sit close together, while Bamberg-Ost, supplied with long-distance water, is clearly softer. The page has no date of its own, so 2026 is taken from the linked test reports. Limescale on kettles is routine in most of the city.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 17.9 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Bamberg |
How Bamberg compares
- Tap water in Bamberg is 56 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 155 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 81 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bayern it is number 49 of 137 cities; the regional median is 15.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Memmelsdorf, 10 km away (6 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Schlüsselfeld, 26 km away (25.6 °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 Bamberg
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 18 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| 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 Bamberg water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 320 mg/L as CaCO₃ (18.7 gpg, 17.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bamberg 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 Bamberg water?
18.7 gpg, equal to 17.9 °dH, 32 °fH or 320 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bamberg?
For 320 mg/L (17.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Bamberg?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Bamberg, Haertegrade by zone (Pruefberichte 2026) (2026-04). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Bamberg, Haertegrade by zone (Pruefberichte 2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us