Water hardness in Vaihingen an der Enz
28 °dH very hard
Tap water in Vaihingen an der Enz is very hard: 28 °dH (500 mg/L · 29.2 gpg · 50 °fH).
Source: Städtischer Versorgungsbetrieb Vaihingen an der Enz (2026-01) · data checked 2026-10-23
The city utility's 2025 to 2026 parameter sheet gives 499.8 mg/L CaCO₃. Neighbouring Ludwigsburg (200.8 mg/L) and Stuttgart (196.4 mg/L) are far lower. The sheet is for specific supply areas and the town may have more than one, so ask the utility about your district.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 28 °dH |
|---|
How Vaihingen an der Enz compares
- Tap water in Vaihingen an der Enz is 143 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 6 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 99 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Baden-Württemberg it is number 2 of 146 cities; the regional median is 12.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Hemmingen, 5 km away (11.4 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Gerbrunn, 120 km away (38.6 °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 Vaihingen an der Enz
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H06 |
| Miele | 28 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 6 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S4 |
| 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 Vaihingen an der Enz water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 500 mg/L as CaCO₃ (29.2 gpg, 28 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Vaihingen an der Enz 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 Vaihingen an der Enz water?
29.2 gpg, equal to 28 °dH, 50 °fH or 500 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Vaihingen an der Enz?
For 500 mg/L (28 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Vaihingen an der Enz?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Städtischer Versorgungsbetrieb Vaihingen an der Enz (2026-01). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Städtischer Versorgungsbetrieb Vaihingen an der Enz · Outdated figure? Tell us