Water hardness in Kaufbeuren
20.6 °dH very hard
Tap water in Kaufbeuren is very hard: 20.6 °dH (368 mg/L · 21.5 gpg · 36.8 °fH).
Source: Wasserwerk Kaufbeuren, Trinkwasseranalyse Kaufbeuren 2025 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-23
Wasserwerk Kaufbeuren, run by the city, published a 2025 analysis giving 367.7 mg/L CaCO₃ (20.6 °dH, 3.68 mmol/L), classed as hard. Its web page agrees at about 20 °dH. Kaufbeuren lies in the Allgäu, in the Alpine foreland, where lime-bearing gravel is common; the analysis does not name the aquifer. A 2026 analysis may exist and was not checked.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 20.6 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Wasserwerk Kaufbeuren (Eigenbetrieb der Stadt Kaufbeuren) |
How Kaufbeuren compares
- Tap water in Kaufbeuren is 79 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 57 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 93 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bayern it is number 13 of 137 cities; the regional median is 15.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Füssen, 35 km away (11.5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Ampfing, 140 km away (26 °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 Kaufbeuren
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 21 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 5 |
| Beko | 6th |
| 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 Kaufbeuren water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 368 mg/L as CaCO₃ (21.5 gpg, 20.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Kaufbeuren 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 Kaufbeuren water?
21.5 gpg, equal to 20.6 °dH, 36.8 °fH or 368 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Kaufbeuren?
For 368 mg/L (20.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Kaufbeuren?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Wasserwerk Kaufbeuren, Trinkwasseranalyse Kaufbeuren 2025 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Wasserwerk Kaufbeuren, Trinkwasseranalyse Kaufbeuren 2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us