Water hardness in Kaltenkirchen
10.7 °dH very hard
Tap water in Kaltenkirchen is very hard: 10.7 °dH (191 mg/L · 11.2 gpg · 19.1 °fH).
Source: Zweckverband Wasserversorgung Kaltenkirchen, Henstedt-Ulzburg - Wasseruntersuchungsergebnisse, Laborbericht vom 07.10.2026 (2026-10) · data checked 2026-11-03
Range across supply zones: 189–193 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Wasserwerk Henstedt-Rhen | 10.6 | 189 | very hard |
| Wasserwerk Kaltenkirchen | 10.8 | 193 | very hard |
The Zweckverband Wasserversorgung Kaltenkirchen, Henstedt-Ulzburg reports two waterworks in a lab report dated 7 October 2026: Henstedt-Rhen at 189.2 mg/L CaCO₃ and Kaltenkirchen at 192.8 mg/L. The median is 191.0 mg/L, in the very hard category, and the two sites differ by only 3.6 mg/L. Norderstedt (208 mg/L) and Neumünster (220 mg/L) are slightly harder.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 10.7 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Kaltenkirchen (Zweckverband Wasserversorgung Kaltenkirchen, Henstedt-Ulzburg) |
How Kaltenkirchen compares
- Tap water in Kaltenkirchen is 7 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 451 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 44 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Schleswig-Holstein it is number 17 of 26 cities; the regional median is 12 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Hohenlockstedt, 24 km away (6.3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Elmshorn, 24 km away (14.5 °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 Kaltenkirchen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Kaltenkirchen water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 191 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.2 gpg, 10.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Kaltenkirchen 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 Kaltenkirchen water?
11.2 gpg, equal to 10.7 °dH, 19.1 °fH or 191 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Kaltenkirchen?
For 191 mg/L (10.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Kaltenkirchen?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Zweckverband Wasserversorgung Kaltenkirchen, Henstedt-Ulzburg - Wasseruntersuchungsergebnisse, Laborbericht vom 07.10.2026 (2026-10). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Zweckverband Wasserversorgung Kaltenkirchen, Henstedt-Ulzburg - Wasseruntersuchungsergebnisse, Laborbericht vom 07.10.2026 · Outdated figure? Tell us