Water hardness in Freiburg im Breisgau
4.9 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Freiburg im Breisgau is moderately hard: 4.9 °dH (88 mg/L · 5.1 gpg · 8.8 °fH).
Source: badenova – Wasserversorgung in Freiburg (Gesamthärte je Versorgungsbereich) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 42–226 mg/L.
4 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Versorgungsbereich 1 | 5.2 | 93 | moderately hard |
| Versorgungsbereich 2 | 4.6 | 82 | moderately hard |
| Versorgungsbereich 3 | 2.4 | 42 | soft |
| Versorgungsbereich 4 | 12.7 | 226 | very hard |
badenova publishes total hardness for four supply areas in Freiburg. The city figure is 87.6 mg/L CaCO₃, but the areas differ widely: area 3 is at 42.0 mg/L and area 4 at 226.2 mg/L. The address matters more than the city average here. Check the supply area for your street before deciding whether a softener is worth it.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.9 °dH |
|---|---|
| dH | 12.7 |
| Utility | badenovaNETZE GmbH |
How Freiburg im Breisgau compares
- Tap water in Freiburg im Breisgau is 57 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 737 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 9 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Baden-Württemberg it is number 136 of 146 cities; the regional median is 12.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Waldkirch, 14 km away (2.5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Herbolzheim, 13 km away (9.7 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Freiburg im Breisgau
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Freiburg im Breisgau water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 88 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.1 gpg, 4.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Freiburg im Breisgau 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 Freiburg im Breisgau water?
5.1 gpg, equal to 4.9 °dH, 8.8 °fH or 88 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Freiburg im Breisgau?
For 88 mg/L (4.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Freiburg im Breisgau?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: badenova – Wasserversorgung in Freiburg (Gesamthärte je Versorgungsbereich) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. badenova – Wasserversorgung in Freiburg (Gesamthärte je Versorgungsbereich) · Outdated figure? Tell us