Water hardness in Bensheim
18.5 °dH very hard
Tap water in Bensheim is very hard: 18.5 °dH (330 mg/L · 19.3 gpg · 33 °fH).
Source: GGEW AG, Trinkwasserbericht Schwanheim, Fehlheim, Langwaden (2026-03) · data checked 2026-10-23
This figure is a zone value, not a citywide one. GGEW's report covers only the districts Schwanheim, Fehlheim and Langwaden, with 330.2 mg/L CaCO₃ (18.5 °dH, 3.31 mmol/L) from Hessenwasser sampling in March 2026. The report for the Bensheim core town could not be retrieved, so no citywide value exists here. Water in the Bergstraße area is generally hard, but check with GGEW for your address.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 18.5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | GGEW AG (Gruppen-Gas- und Elektrizitätswerk Bergstraße) |
How Bensheim compares
- Tap water in Bensheim is 61 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 127 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 84 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Hessen it is number 12 of 73 cities; the regional median is 10.7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Lützelbach, 13 km away (4.4 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Nußloch, 42 km away (31.6 °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 Bensheim
| 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 Bensheim water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 330 mg/L as CaCO₃ (19.3 gpg, 18.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bensheim 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 Bensheim water?
19.3 gpg, equal to 18.5 °dH, 33 °fH or 330 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bensheim?
For 330 mg/L (18.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Bensheim?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: GGEW AG, Trinkwasserbericht Schwanheim, Fehlheim, Langwaden (2026-03). Method: figure published by the water supplier. GGEW AG, Trinkwasserbericht Schwanheim, Fehlheim, Langwaden · Outdated figure? Tell us