Water hardness in Biel/Bienne
11.7 °fH moderately hard
Tap water in Biel/Bienne is moderately hard: 11.7 °fH (117 mg/L · 6.8 gpg · 6.6 °dH).
Source: Energie Service Biel (ESB) (via SVGW trinkwasser.ch) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-21
In the canton of Bern, drinking water comes mostly from groundwater and springs, supplemented by lake water in the lake regions. Energie Service Biel (ESB) reports a hardness of 117.0 mg/L CaCO₃. Scale shows up over time on kettles and shower screens, and regular descaling is usually enough.
In der Schweiz wird meist in °fH angegeben (1 °fH = 0,56 °dH).
Water data
| Total hardness | 11.7 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Energie Service Biel (ESB) |
How Biel/Bienne compares
- Tap water in Biel/Bienne is 56 % softer than the median of the 650 cities we track in Switzerland (26.7 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 619 of 650 in Switzerland (1 = hardest); 5 % of these cities have softer water.
- In BE it is number 79 of 83 cities; the regional median is 23 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Orvin, 4 km away (2.9 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Evilard/Leubringen, 2 km away (16.9 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Switzerland →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Biel/Bienne
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Biel/Bienne water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 117 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.8 gpg, 6.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Biel/Bienne 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 Biel/Bienne water?
6.8 gpg, equal to 6.6 °dH, 11.7 °fH or 117 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Biel/Bienne?
For 117 mg/L (6.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Biel/Bienne?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Energie Service Biel (ESB) (via SVGW trinkwasser.ch) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Energie Service Biel (ESB) (via SVGW trinkwasser.ch) · Outdated figure? Tell us