Water hardness in Bargteheide
11.5 °dH very hard
Tap water in Bargteheide is very hard: 11.5 °dH (205 mg/L · 12 gpg · 20.5 °fH).
Source: Holsteiner Wasser GmbH – Trinkwasseranalyse HOWA Bargteheide 2021 (2021) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 204–207 mg/L.
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Holsteiner Wasser GmbH's 2021 analysis for its Bargteheide waterworks gives 205.3 mg/L CaCO₃, within a very narrow range of 203.5 to 207.1 mg/L. Calcium is 73 mg/L and magnesium 6 mg/L. The result is close to Norderstedt (207.5 mg/L) and Hamburg (208.8 mg/L). The data are several years old, so check a recent analysis.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 11.5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 73 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 6 |
| Utility | Holsteiner Wasser GmbH |
How Bargteheide compares
- Tap water in Bargteheide is close to the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 401 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 50 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Schleswig-Holstein it is number 15 of 26 cities; the regional median is 12 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Büchen, 36 km away (6.6 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Rellingen, 30 km away (17.4 °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 Bargteheide
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| 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 Bargteheide water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 205 mg/L as CaCO₃ (12 gpg, 11.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bargteheide 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 Bargteheide water?
12 gpg, equal to 11.5 °dH, 20.5 °fH or 205 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bargteheide?
For 205 mg/L (11.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Bargteheide?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Holsteiner Wasser GmbH – Trinkwasseranalyse HOWA Bargteheide 2021 (2021). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Holsteiner Wasser GmbH – Trinkwasseranalyse HOWA Bargteheide 2021 · Outdated figure? Tell us