Water hardness in Rellingen
17.4 °dH very hard
Tap water in Rellingen is very hard: 17.4 °dH (311 mg/L · 18.1 gpg · 31.1 °fH).
Source: Gemeinde Rellingen – Prüfbericht Agrolab Wasserwerk Egenbüttel, chemische Untersuchung 04.05.2022 (2022) · data checked 2026-10-29
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Rellingen's own waterworks at Egenbüttel was tested by Agrolab on 4 May 2022. The result is 310.6 mg/L CaCO₃, with calcium at 113 mg/L and magnesium at 7.15 mg/L. Pinneberg, 2 km away, reports 283.8 mg/L, but Hamburg (208.8 mg/L) is much softer. The analysis dates from 2022, so a newer one 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 | 17.4 °dH |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 113 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 7.15 |
| mmol_l | 3.11 |
| Utility | Wasserver- und -entsorgungsbetrieb der Gemeinde Rellingen |
How Rellingen compares
- Tap water in Rellingen is 51 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 172 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 79 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Schleswig-Holstein it is number 2 of 26 cities; the regional median is 12 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Uetersen, 12 km away (13.2 °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 Rellingen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 17 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| 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 Rellingen water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 311 mg/L as CaCO₃ (18.1 gpg, 17.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Rellingen 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 Rellingen water?
18.1 gpg, equal to 17.4 °dH, 31.1 °fH or 311 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Rellingen?
For 311 mg/L (17.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Rellingen?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Gemeinde Rellingen – Prüfbericht Agrolab Wasserwerk Egenbüttel, chemische Untersuchung 04.05.2022 (2022). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Gemeinde Rellingen – Prüfbericht Agrolab Wasserwerk Egenbüttel, chemische Untersuchung 04.05.2022 · Outdated figure? Tell us