Water hardness in Konstanz
9.2 °dH hard
Tap water in Konstanz is hard: 9.2 °dH (164 mg/L · 9.6 gpg · 16.4 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Konstanz, Trinkwasser web page (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Stadtwerke Konstanz prints a single citywide figure of 163.7 mg/L CaCO₃ on its drinking-water page, in the medium category. The page carries no analysis date and does not break the figure down by zone, so treat it as a current approximation and not a dated measurement. Moderate scale on kettles and shower screens is the likely result.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9.2 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Konstanz |
How Konstanz compares
- Tap water in Konstanz is 20 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 512 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 37 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Baden-Württemberg it is number 105 of 146 cities; the regional median is 12.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Alpirsbach, 94 km away (4.2 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Radolfzell am Bodensee, 17 km away (22.6 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Konstanz
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| 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 Konstanz water hard or soft?
It is hard: 164 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.6 gpg, 9.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Konstanz 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 Konstanz water?
9.6 gpg, equal to 9.2 °dH, 16.4 °fH or 164 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Konstanz?
For 164 mg/L (9.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Konstanz?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Konstanz, Trinkwasser web page (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Konstanz, Trinkwasser web page · Outdated figure? Tell us