Water hardness in Friedrichshafen
9.2 °dH hard
Tap water in Friedrichshafen is hard: 9.2 °dH (164 mg/L · 9.6 gpg · 16.4 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerk am See – Untersuchungsbericht Friedrichshafen (Probenahme 09.09.2025) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-23
Stadtwerk am See reports a sample taken on 9 September 2025 for Friedrichshafen, supplied with Bodensee water. The result is 164.2 mg/L CaCO₃, with calcium at 51.6 mg/L and magnesium at 8.7 mg/L. That is the hard category. Konstanz is almost identical at 163.7 mg/L, but Radolfzell at 403.4 mg/L is far harder. This is a single sample, so seasonal variation is not shown.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9.2 °dH |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 51.6 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 8.7 |
| mmol_l | 1.65 |
| Utility | Stadtwerk am See (SWSee) – Bodenseewasser |
How Friedrichshafen compares
- Tap water in Friedrichshafen is 20 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 509 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 37 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Baden-Württemberg it is number 103 of 146 cities; the regional median is 12.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Pfalzgrafenweiler, 110 km away (3.5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Baienfurt, 19 km away (14.3 °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 Friedrichshafen
| 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 Friedrichshafen water hard or soft?
It is hard: 164 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.6 gpg, 9.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Friedrichshafen 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 Friedrichshafen water?
9.6 gpg, equal to 9.2 °dH, 16.4 °fH or 164 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Friedrichshafen?
For 164 mg/L (9.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Friedrichshafen?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Stadtwerk am See – Untersuchungsbericht Friedrichshafen (Probenahme 09.09.2025) (2025). Method: own measurement. Stadtwerk am See – Untersuchungsbericht Friedrichshafen (Probenahme 09.09.2025) · Outdated figure? Tell us