Water hardness in Viernheim
20 °dH very hard
Tap water in Viernheim is very hard: 20 °dH (357 mg/L · 20.9 gpg · 35.7 °fH).
Source: MVV Energie AG, Bekanntgabe der Wasserhärte nach WRMG (Wasser aus Mannheim und Brühl, geliefert an Viernheim) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-23
A 2024 notice from MVV Energie AG gives 3.6 mmol/l, or 20 °dH, which is hard. The water comes from Mannheim and Brühl. The notice states one value and no range, so check the utility's latest analysis. Expect visible limescale on taps and shower screens.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 20 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | MVV Energie AG (Mannheim/Brühl supply, delivered to Viernheim) |
How Viernheim compares
- Tap water in Viernheim is 74 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 67 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 91 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Hessen it is number 6 of 73 cities; the regional median is 10.7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Weinheim, 6 km away (15.1 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Nußloch, 27 km away (31.6 °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 Viernheim
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 20 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 5 |
| Beko | 6th |
| 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 Viernheim water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 357 mg/L as CaCO₃ (20.9 gpg, 20 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Viernheim 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 Viernheim water?
20.9 gpg, equal to 20 °dH, 35.7 °fH or 357 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Viernheim?
For 357 mg/L (20 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Viernheim?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: MVV Energie AG, Bekanntgabe der Wasserhärte nach WRMG (Wasser aus Mannheim und Brühl, geliefert an Viernheim) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. MVV Energie AG, Bekanntgabe der Wasserhärte nach WRMG (Wasser aus Mannheim und Brühl, geliefert an Viernheim) · Outdated figure? Tell us