Water hardness in Rheinfelden (Baden)
22 °dH very hard
Tap water in Rheinfelden (Baden) is very hard: 22 °dH (392 mg/L · 22.9 gpg · 39.2 °fH).
Source: naturenergie netze – Betriebsführung Wasser Rheinfelden (2026) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 87–453 mg/L.
3 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Versorgungsgebiet 1 (Karsau, Adelhausen, Obereichsel, Niedereichsel, Ottwangen, Minseln, Nordschwaben) | 4.9 | 87 | moderately hard |
| Versorgungsgebiet 2 (Degerfelden, Rheinfelden Kernstadt, Nollingen, Warmbach) | 25.4 | 453 | very hard |
| Versorgungsgebiet 3 (Herten) | 22 | 392 | very hard |
naturenergie netze, which operates the water supply, gives three supply areas for Rheinfelden (Baden). The core town with Degerfelden, Nollingen and Warmbach is at 453.4 mg/L CaCO₃, Herten at 392.4 mg/L and the Karsau group of districts at 87.1 mg/L. The 392.4 mg/L city figure is the median, so the spread between areas matters more than the headline.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 22 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | naturenergie netze (Betriebsführung Rheinfelden) |
How Rheinfelden (Baden) compares
- Tap water in Rheinfelden (Baden) is 91 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 36 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 96 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Baden-Württemberg it is number 6 of 146 cities; the regional median is 12.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Steinen, 14 km away (4.4 °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 Rheinfelden (Baden)
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H06 |
| Miele | 22 °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 Rheinfelden (Baden) water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 392 mg/L as CaCO₃ (22.9 gpg, 22 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Rheinfelden (Baden) 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 Rheinfelden (Baden) water?
22.9 gpg, equal to 22 °dH, 39.2 °fH or 392 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Rheinfelden (Baden)?
For 392 mg/L (22 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Rheinfelden (Baden)?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: naturenergie netze – Betriebsführung Wasser Rheinfelden (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. naturenergie netze – Betriebsführung Wasser Rheinfelden · Outdated figure? Tell us