Water hardness in Kelheim
17.1 °dH very hard
Tap water in Kelheim is very hard: 17.1 °dH (305 mg/L · 17.8 gpg · 30.5 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Kelheim GmbH & Co KG, Auszug aus der Trinkwasseranalyse (2026-05) · data checked 2026-11-03
Range across supply zones: 279–373 mg/L.
4 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Brunnen Kelheimwinzer | 15.6 | 279 | very hard |
| Brunnen V | 16.9 | 302 | very hard |
| Brunnen VII | 17.3 | 308 | very hard |
| Brunnen VIII | 20.9 | 373 | very hard |
Stadtwerke Kelheim publishes an extract of its drinking water analysis (Stand May 2026) for four wells: Brunnen V, VII, VIII and Kelheimwinzer. The source gives total hardness in mmol/L only, 2.79 to 3.73, which is 279.3 to 373.3 mg/L CaCO₃, with a median of 305.3 mg/L. The utility prints values per well, not per street, so check which well supplies your address. We have seen the extract, not the full analysis.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 17.1 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Kelheim GmbH & Co KG |
How Kelheim compares
- Tap water in Kelheim is 49 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 184 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 77 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bayern it is number 58 of 137 cities; the regional median is 15.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Reichertshofen, 43 km away (8.8 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Straubing, 52 km away (21.7 °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 Kelheim
| 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 Kelheim water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 305 mg/L as CaCO₃ (17.8 gpg, 17.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Kelheim 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 Kelheim water?
17.8 gpg, equal to 17.1 °dH, 30.5 °fH or 305 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Kelheim?
For 305 mg/L (17.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Kelheim?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Kelheim GmbH & Co KG, Auszug aus der Trinkwasseranalyse (2026-05). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Kelheim GmbH & Co KG, Auszug aus der Trinkwasseranalyse · Outdated figure? Tell us