Water hardness in Neu-Ulm
15.7 °dH very hard
Tap water in Neu-Ulm is very hard: 15.7 °dH (280 mg/L · 16.4 gpg · 28 °fH).
Source: SWU Netze - Analysedaten Trinkwasser Jahresmittelwerte 2025 (Stand 12.05.2026) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
SWU Netze, the network operator for Ulm and Neu-Ulm, reports annual mean values for 2025 (status 12 May 2026). The mean hardness is 280.2 mg/L CaCO₃. The figure is a yearly average, so single samples can sit above or below it. Descaling a kettle and washing machine regularly is a realistic consequence at this level.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 15.7 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | SWU Netze GmbH (Stadtwerke Ulm/Neu-Ulm Netze) |
How Neu-Ulm compares
- Tap water in Neu-Ulm is 36 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 238 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 71 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bayern it is number 71 of 137 cities; the regional median is 15.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Neuffen, 50 km away (7.6 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Höchstädt an der Donau, 47 km away (21.8 °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 Neu-Ulm
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 16 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Neu-Ulm water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 280 mg/L as CaCO₃ (16.4 gpg, 15.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Neu-Ulm 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 Neu-Ulm water?
16.4 gpg, equal to 15.7 °dH, 28 °fH or 280 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Neu-Ulm?
For 280 mg/L (15.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Neu-Ulm?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: SWU Netze - Analysedaten Trinkwasser Jahresmittelwerte 2025 (Stand 12.05.2026) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. SWU Netze - Analysedaten Trinkwasser Jahresmittelwerte 2025 (Stand 12.05.2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us