Water hardness in Frankenthal (Pfalz)
15.3 °dH very hard
Tap water in Frankenthal (Pfalz) is very hard: 15.3 °dH (273 mg/L · 16 gpg · 27.3 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Frankenthal GmbH, Trinkwasseranalyse (Analyse_26-06-18_FT.pdf) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-22
Stadtwerke Frankenthal's 2026 analysis reports 273.1 mg/L CaCO₃. Mannheim (357.0 mg/L) is harder, while Ludwigshafen am Rhein (225.8 mg/L) is slightly softer, both within 10 km. Kaiserslautern, 45 km away, is much softer at 96.4 mg/L. A descaling routine for kettles and coffee machines is the practical consequence.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 15.3 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Frankenthal GmbH (stw-frankenthal.de) |
How Frankenthal (Pfalz) compares
- Tap water in Frankenthal (Pfalz) is 33 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 248 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 69 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Rheinland-Pfalz it is number 5 of 25 cities; the regional median is 9.9 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Pfungstadt, 35 km away (12 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Mannheim, 10 km away (20 °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 Frankenthal (Pfalz)
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 15 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Frankenthal (Pfalz) water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 273 mg/L as CaCO₃ (16 gpg, 15.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Frankenthal (Pfalz) 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 Frankenthal (Pfalz) water?
16 gpg, equal to 15.3 °dH, 27.3 °fH or 273 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Frankenthal (Pfalz)?
For 273 mg/L (15.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Frankenthal (Pfalz)?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Frankenthal GmbH, Trinkwasseranalyse (Analyse_26-06-18_FT.pdf) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Frankenthal GmbH, Trinkwasseranalyse (Analyse_26-06-18_FT.pdf) · Outdated figure? Tell us