Water hardness in Bickenbach
17.7 °dH very hard
Tap water in Bickenbach is very hard: 17.7 °dH (315 mg/L · 18.4 gpg · 31.5 °fH).
Source: GGEW AG - Trinkwasseranalyse Alsbach-Hähnlein und Bickenbach (Probenahme Hessenwasser März 2026, Datei vom 26.05.2026) (2026-05) · data checked 2026-11-06
Range across supply zones: 287–343 mg/L.
Bickenbach (Bergstraße) shares its supply with Alsbach-Hähnlein, and the report covers that mixed supply together. The listed value is 315.1 mg/L CaCO₃, with a range of 287.4 to 342.7 mg/L (May 2026). It is not a Bickenbach-only value, so your address may differ.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 17.7 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Hessenwasser GmbH & Co. KG (Versorgung Alsbach-Hähnlein und Bickenbach; Bericht GGEW AG) |
How Bickenbach compares
- Tap water in Bickenbach is 53 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 162 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 80 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Hessen it is number 18 of 73 cities; the regional median is 10.7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Pfungstadt, 5 km away (12 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Zwingenberg, 8 km away (22.1 °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 Bickenbach
| 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 Bickenbach water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 315 mg/L as CaCO₃ (18.4 gpg, 17.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bickenbach 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 Bickenbach water?
18.4 gpg, equal to 17.7 °dH, 31.5 °fH or 315 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bickenbach?
For 315 mg/L (17.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Bickenbach?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: GGEW AG - Trinkwasseranalyse Alsbach-Hähnlein und Bickenbach (Probenahme Hessenwasser März 2026, Datei vom 26.05.2026) (2026-05). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. GGEW AG - Trinkwasseranalyse Alsbach-Hähnlein und Bickenbach (Probenahme Hessenwasser März 2026, Datei vom 26.05.2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us