Water hardness in Dossenheim
18.7 °dH very hard
Tap water in Dossenheim is very hard: 18.7 °dH (334 mg/L · 19.5 gpg · 33.4 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Heidelberg Netze, Trinkwasserqualität im Versorgungsgebiet Dossenheim (Stand 28.01.2026) (2026-01) · data checked 2026-11-03
Range across supply zones: 330–337 mg/L.
Dossenheim's water comes from the Wasserwerk Entensee and is delivered by Stadtwerke Heidelberg Netze. Their analysis for the Dossenheim supply area, dated 28.01.2026, gives a mean of 18.7 °dH within a range of 18.5 to 18.9 °dH, which the utility's text describes as hard. The range is narrow, so the figure should hold across the town. At this level, limescale on kettles and taps is to be expected.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 18.7 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Heidelberg Netze (Wasserwerk Entensee), Versorgungsgebiet Dossenheim |
How Dossenheim compares
- Tap water in Dossenheim is 63 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 118 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 85 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Baden-Württemberg it is number 23 of 146 cities; the regional median is 12.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Ludwigshafen am Rhein, 16 km away (12.6 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Nußloch, 20 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 Dossenheim
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 19 °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 Dossenheim water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 334 mg/L as CaCO₃ (19.5 gpg, 18.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Dossenheim 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 Dossenheim water?
19.5 gpg, equal to 18.7 °dH, 33.4 °fH or 334 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Dossenheim?
For 334 mg/L (18.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Dossenheim?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Heidelberg Netze, Trinkwasserqualität im Versorgungsgebiet Dossenheim (Stand 28.01.2026) (2026-01). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Heidelberg Netze, Trinkwasserqualität im Versorgungsgebiet Dossenheim (Stand 28.01.2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us