Water hardness in Schwaigern
18.8 °dH very hard
Tap water in Schwaigern is very hard: 18.8 °dH (336 mg/L · 19.6 gpg · 33.6 °fH).
Source: Stadt Schwaigern - Trinkwasseruntersuchungen, Prüfbericht 7790641 (SGS Institut Fresenius, 22.12.2025) (2025-12) · data checked 2026-11-03
The figure of 335.6 mg/L CaCO₃ (18.8 °dH) comes from a laboratory report dated 22.12.2025, with samples taken on 24.11.2025 at the outlet of the Hochbehälter Eselsberg reservoir. It is a reservoir outlet, not a household tap, and the report does not cover Stetten or Niederhofen. If you live in one of those districts, ask the town's water department for the values that apply to your street.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 18.8 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtverwaltung Schwaigern, Wasserversorgung |
How Schwaigern compares
- Tap water in Schwaigern is 63 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 115 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 86 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Nordheim, 8 km away (13.5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Vaihingen an der Enz, 22 km away (28 °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 Schwaigern
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 19 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 5 |
| 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 Schwaigern water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 336 mg/L as CaCO₃ (19.6 gpg, 18.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Schwaigern 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 Schwaigern water?
19.6 gpg, equal to 18.8 °dH, 33.6 °fH or 336 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Schwaigern?
For 336 mg/L (18.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Schwaigern?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadt Schwaigern - Trinkwasseruntersuchungen, Prüfbericht 7790641 (SGS Institut Fresenius, 22.12.2025) (2025-12). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadt Schwaigern - Trinkwasseruntersuchungen, Prüfbericht 7790641 (SGS Institut Fresenius, 22.12.2025) · Outdated figure? Tell us