Water hardness in Ostfildern
9 °dH hard
Tap water in Ostfildern is hard: 9 °dH (160 mg/L · 9.4 gpg · 16 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Ostfildern - Trinkwasser web page (2026) · data checked 2026-10-23
Stadtwerke Ostfildern states 1.6 mmol/l CaCO₃ (about 9 °dH), hardness range 2 (medium), and names the Bodensee-Wasserversorgung as the source. The web page is undated, so we treat the value with moderate confidence. Check the current annual analysis if you need an exact figure.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 9 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Ostfildern |
How Ostfildern compares
- Tap water in Ostfildern is 22 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 536 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 34 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Baden-Württemberg it is number 120 of 146 cities; the regional median is 12.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Neubulach, 41 km away (3.5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Wendlingen am Neckar, 12 km away (17 °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 Ostfildern
| 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 Ostfildern water hard or soft?
It is hard: 160 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.4 gpg, 9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Ostfildern 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 Ostfildern water?
9.4 gpg, equal to 9 °dH, 16 °fH or 160 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Ostfildern?
For 160 mg/L (9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Ostfildern?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Ostfildern - Trinkwasser web page (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Ostfildern - Trinkwasser web page · Outdated figure? Tell us