Water hardness in Marktheidenfeld
21.4 °dH very hard
Tap water in Marktheidenfeld is very hard: 21.4 °dH (382 mg/L · 22.3 gpg · 38.2 °fH).
Source: Stadt Marktheidenfeld - Brunnen Obereichholz 1+2, Prüfbericht 2600346 (CLG Chemisches Labor Dr. Graser, 26.01.2026) (2026-01) · data checked 2026-11-03
The figure of 382.0 mg/L CaCO₃ (21.4 °dH) is the treated water from the Obereichholz wells, sampled on 13.01.2026 after UV treatment. These wells supply a large part of the Kernstadt only. Zimmern and other areas are served differently and are not covered by this value, so check the town's published reports for your address.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 21.4 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadt Marktheidenfeld, Wasserwerk (Zweckverband Wassergruppe Marktheidenfelder Gruppe also supplies part of the area) |
How Marktheidenfeld compares
- Tap water in Marktheidenfeld is 86 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 47 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 94 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Kleinwallstadt, 32 km away (8 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Würzburg, 25 km away (40.4 °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 Marktheidenfeld
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H06 |
| Miele | 21 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 5 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| LG | H4 |
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 Marktheidenfeld water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 382 mg/L as CaCO₃ (22.3 gpg, 21.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Marktheidenfeld 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 Marktheidenfeld water?
22.3 gpg, equal to 21.4 °dH, 38.2 °fH or 382 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Marktheidenfeld?
For 382 mg/L (21.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Marktheidenfeld?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadt Marktheidenfeld - Brunnen Obereichholz 1+2, Prüfbericht 2600346 (CLG Chemisches Labor Dr. Graser, 26.01.2026) (2026-01). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadt Marktheidenfeld - Brunnen Obereichholz 1+2, Prüfbericht 2600346 (CLG Chemisches Labor Dr. Graser, 26.01.2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us