Water hardness in Ingolstadt
20.8 °dH very hard
Tap water in Ingolstadt is very hard: 20.8 °dH (371 mg/L · 21.7 gpg · 37.1 °fH).
Source: INKB Trinkwasseranalyse, lab report 26-2266 (AGROLAB) (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-19
The figure of 371.3 mg/L CaCO₃ comes from one laboratory report on a sample taken in June 2026 at the Hallerschlag reservoir, and the lab labels the value as calculated. It is one sampling point, not a citywide average, so we give it lower confidence. An older INKB value points the same way. Ask INKB whether your district is fed from the same reservoir.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 20.8 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Ingolstädter Kommunalbetriebe AöR (INKB) |
How Ingolstadt compares
- Tap water in Ingolstadt is 81 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 53 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 93 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bayern it is number 10 of 137 cities; the regional median is 15.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Reichertshofen, 9 km away (8.8 °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 Ingolstadt
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 21 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 5 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| LG | H4 |
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 Ingolstadt water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 371 mg/L as CaCO₃ (21.7 gpg, 20.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Ingolstadt 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 Ingolstadt water?
21.7 gpg, equal to 20.8 °dH, 37.1 °fH or 371 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Ingolstadt?
For 371 mg/L (20.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Ingolstadt?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: INKB Trinkwasseranalyse, lab report 26-2266 (AGROLAB) (2026-06). Method: figure published by the water supplier. INKB Trinkwasseranalyse, lab report 26-2266 (AGROLAB) · Outdated figure? Tell us