Water hardness in Basel
16.5 °fH hard
Tap water in Basel is hard: 16.5 °fH (165 mg/L · 9.6 gpg · 9.2 °dH).
Source: IWB Industrielle Werke Basel, Trinkwasser Broschüre (10/2023) (2022) · data checked 2026-10-20
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
IWB gives a total hardness of 165 mg/L CaCO₃ (16.5 °fH) in its drinking-water brochure, published in October 2023. The figures are marked as of 2022, so they are older than most on this site, and we found no newer IWB value. No zone split is printed; treat the number as indicative.
In der Schweiz wird meist in °fH angegeben (1 °fH = 0,56 °dH).
Water data
| Total hardness | 16.5 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | IWB Industrielle Werke Basel |
How Basel compares
- Tap water in Basel is 38 % softer than the median of the 650 cities we track in Switzerland (26.7 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 552 of 650 in Switzerland (1 = hardest); 15 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Rütschelen, 45 km away (2.6 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Birsfelden, 3 km away (26.5 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Switzerland →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Basel
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H2 |
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 Basel water hard or soft?
It is hard: 165 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.6 gpg, 9.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Basel safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. In der Schweiz wird meist in °fH angegeben (1 °fH = 0,56 °dH).
How many grains per gallon is Basel water?
9.6 gpg, equal to 9.2 °dH, 16.5 °fH or 165 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Basel?
For 165 mg/L (9.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Basel?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: IWB Industrielle Werke Basel, Trinkwasser Broschüre (10/2023) (2022). Method: figure published by the water supplier. IWB Industrielle Werke Basel, Trinkwasser Broschüre (10/2023) · Outdated figure? Tell us