Water hardness in Hildesheim
1.8 °dH soft
Tap water in Hildesheim is soft: 1.8 °dH (32 mg/L · 1.9 gpg · 3.2 °fH).
Source: EVI Trinkwasseranalyse 2025, Wasserwerk Söse Reinwasser I (PDF) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 30–36 mg/L.
The figure of 32.1 mg/L CaCO₃ covers only the Söse waterworks (Reinwasser I), a Harz water supply, from EVI's 2025 annual analysis. It ranges from 30.3 to 35.7 mg/L across the monthly results. It is not a confirmed citywide value, and other EVI documents print a different figure, so check your own water notice. Water this soft needs no softener, and detergent doses can be reduced.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 1.8 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | EVI Energieversorgung Hildesheim (Harz water, Wasserwerk Söse) |
How Hildesheim compares
- Tap water in Hildesheim is 84 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 809 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 0 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Niedersachsen it is number 94 of 94 cities; the regional median is 7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Alfeld, 21 km away (12.8 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Hildesheim
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 2 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Hildesheim water hard or soft?
It is soft: 32 mg/L as CaCO₃ (1.9 gpg, 1.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Hildesheim 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 Hildesheim water?
1.9 gpg, equal to 1.8 °dH, 3.2 °fH or 32 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Hildesheim?
For 32 mg/L (1.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Hildesheim?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: EVI Trinkwasseranalyse 2025, Wasserwerk Söse Reinwasser I (PDF) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. EVI Trinkwasseranalyse 2025, Wasserwerk Söse Reinwasser I (PDF) · Outdated figure? Tell us