Water hardness in Oberammergau
14.1 °dH very hard
Tap water in Oberammergau is very hard: 14.1 °dH (252 mg/L · 14.7 gpg · 25.2 °fH).
Source: Gemeinde Oberammergau: Das Oberammergauer Trinkwasser, Analysen der Jahre 2022-2026 (Auszug) (2026-10) · data checked 2026-11-06
Oberammergau reports one supply with a hardness of 251.7 mg/L CaCO₃. The figure comes from analyses published by the municipality, with a sample from October 2026. There is no zone range; a single value covers the whole supply.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 14.1 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Gemeinde Oberammergau (municipal Wasserversorgung, Tiefbrunnen Lindergries) |
How Oberammergau compares
- Tap water in Oberammergau is 23 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 294 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 64 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bayern it is number 83 of 137 cities; the regional median is 15.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 12 km away (10.7 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Penzberg, 29 km away (19.2 °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 Oberammergau
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 14 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| 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 Oberammergau water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 252 mg/L as CaCO₃ (14.7 gpg, 14.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Oberammergau 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 Oberammergau water?
14.7 gpg, equal to 14.1 °dH, 25.2 °fH or 252 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Oberammergau?
For 252 mg/L (14.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Oberammergau?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Gemeinde Oberammergau: Das Oberammergauer Trinkwasser, Analysen der Jahre 2022-2026 (Auszug) (2026-10). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Gemeinde Oberammergau: Das Oberammergauer Trinkwasser, Analysen der Jahre 2022-2026 (Auszug) · Outdated figure? Tell us