Water hardness in Heidenheim an der Brenz
17.2 °dH very hard
Tap water in Heidenheim an der Brenz is very hard: 17.2 °dH (307 mg/L · 17.9 gpg · 30.6 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Heidenheim AG, Trinkwasseranalyse Versorgungsgebiet Heidenheim (periodische Untersuchung nach TrinkwV) (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-20
Stadtwerke Heidenheim's periodic analysis from June 2026, carried out under the German drinking water ordinance (TrinkwV), reports 306.5 mg/L CaCO₃. That is very hard. Expect heavy limescale and consider a softener or regular descaling.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 17.2 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Heidenheim AG |
How Heidenheim an der Brenz compares
- Tap water in Heidenheim an der Brenz is 49 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 183 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 77 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Baden-Württemberg it is number 36 of 146 cities; the regional median is 12.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Aalen, 18 km away (12.8 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Höchstädt an der Donau, 32 km away (21.8 °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 Heidenheim an der Brenz
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 17 °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 Heidenheim an der Brenz water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 307 mg/L as CaCO₃ (17.9 gpg, 17.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Heidenheim an der Brenz 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 Heidenheim an der Brenz water?
17.9 gpg, equal to 17.2 °dH, 30.6 °fH or 307 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Heidenheim an der Brenz?
For 307 mg/L (17.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Heidenheim an der Brenz?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Heidenheim AG, Trinkwasseranalyse Versorgungsgebiet Heidenheim (periodische Untersuchung nach TrinkwV) (2026-06). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Heidenheim AG, Trinkwasseranalyse Versorgungsgebiet Heidenheim (periodische Untersuchung nach TrinkwV) · Outdated figure? Tell us