Water hardness in Buchen in Odenwald
9.1 °dH hard
Tap water in Buchen in Odenwald is hard: 9.1 °dH (162 mg/L · 9.5 gpg · 16.2 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Buchen - Die Härtebereiche des Trinkwassers, Stand März 2026 (2026-03) · data checked 2026-11-03
Range across supply zones: 139–191 mg/L.
6 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Einbach, Hollerbach, Oberneudorf (Steinkautzenquelle Einbach) | 7.8 | 139 | hard |
| Kernstadt Buchen (Bodenseewasser) | 9.1 | 162 | hard |
| Limbach Ortsteile (Balsbach, Heidersbach, Laudenberg, Scheringen, Wagenschwend, Bodenseewasser) | 9.1 | 162 | hard |
| Mudau Gesamtgemeinde (Tiefbrunnen 2, 3, 4) | 8.2 | 146 | hard |
| Rumpfen, Steinbach (Mudau OT Rumpfen, Tiefbrunnen 6) | 10.7 | 191 | very hard |
| Unterneudorf (Mudau OT Rumpfen, Tiefbrunnen 6) | 10.7 | 191 | very hard |
Stadtwerke Buchen supplies the core town and the Limbach districts largely with Lake Constance water from the Zweckverband Bodenseewasserversorgung, while Einbach and the Mudau area run on local spring and deep-well water. The March 2026 sheet lists six zones with a median of 162.4 mg/L CaCO₃ and a range of 139.2 to 191.0 mg/L. The figure depends on which district you live in, so check the utility's table for your street.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9.1 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Buchen GmbH & Co KG |
How Buchen in Odenwald compares
- Tap water in Buchen in Odenwald is 21 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 521 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 35 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Baden-Württemberg it is number 112 of 146 cities; the regional median is 12.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Eberbach, 24 km away (2.1 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Oedheim, 31 km away (16.6 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Buchen in Odenwald
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| 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 Buchen in Odenwald water hard or soft?
It is hard: 162 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.5 gpg, 9.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Buchen in Odenwald 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 Buchen in Odenwald water?
9.5 gpg, equal to 9.1 °dH, 16.2 °fH or 162 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Buchen in Odenwald?
For 162 mg/L (9.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Buchen in Odenwald?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Buchen - Die Härtebereiche des Trinkwassers, Stand März 2026 (2026-03). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Buchen - Die Härtebereiche des Trinkwassers, Stand März 2026 · Outdated figure? Tell us