Water hardness in Ludwigshafen am Rhein
12.6 °dH very hard
Tap water in Ludwigshafen am Rhein is very hard: 12.6 °dH (226 mg/L · 13.2 gpg · 22.6 °fH).
Source: Technische Werke Ludwigshafen (TWL), Trinkwasseranalyse (2024-01) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 187–264 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Wasserwerk I Parkinsel (Hemshof, Mitte, West, Süd, Gartenstadt, Rheingoenheim etc.) | 14.8 | 264 | very hard |
| Wasserwerk II Maudach/Oggersheim (Oppau, Oggersheim, Friesenheim, Ruchheim, Maudach) | 10.5 | 187 | very hard |
Technische Werke Ludwigshafen reports two waterworks in an analysis dated January 2024. Wasserwerk I Parkinsel is the harder supply and Wasserwerk II Maudach/Oggersheim the softer one. The median is 225.8 mg/L CaCO₃ and the range is 187.4 to 264.2 mg/L. The analysis is older than most on this site, so current values may differ slightly.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 12.6 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Technische Werke Ludwigshafen (TWL) |
How Ludwigshafen am Rhein compares
- Tap water in Ludwigshafen am Rhein is 10 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 354 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 56 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Rheinland-Pfalz it is number 12 of 25 cities; the regional median is 9.9 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Karlsdorf-Neuthard, 37 km away (7.9 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Mannheim, 2 km away (20 °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 Ludwigshafen am Rhein
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 13 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| 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 Ludwigshafen am Rhein water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 226 mg/L as CaCO₃ (13.2 gpg, 12.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Ludwigshafen am Rhein 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 Ludwigshafen am Rhein water?
13.2 gpg, equal to 12.6 °dH, 22.6 °fH or 226 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Ludwigshafen am Rhein?
For 226 mg/L (12.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Ludwigshafen am Rhein?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Technische Werke Ludwigshafen (TWL), Trinkwasseranalyse (2024-01). Method: own measurement. Technische Werke Ludwigshafen (TWL), Trinkwasseranalyse · Outdated figure? Tell us