Water hardness in Bilzen
16.5 °fH hard
Tap water in Bilzen is hard: 16.5 °fH (165 mg/L · 9.6 gpg · 9.2 °dH).
Source: VMM, Kwaliteit van het drinkwater per leveringsgebied 2024, bijlage 2 (mediane concentratie) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 137–204 mg/L.
De Watergroep supplies this part of the Campine, a sandy region where lime is largely absent from the aquifers, so groundwater here tends to be softer than elsewhere in Belgium; some Flemish supply also comes from Albert Canal surface water. The 2024 figure is 165.0 mg/L CaCO₃, within a reported range of 136.9 to 203.6 mg/L, so the exact value depends on your street. At this level scale forms steadily in kettles, shower heads and boilers, so regular descaling is advisable and a softener can be worth considering.
Belgian suppliers report hardness in °f (French degrees); 1 °f = 10 mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 16.5 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | De Watergroep |
How Bilzen compares
- Tap water in Bilzen is 48 % softer than the median of the 1091 cities we track in Belgium (31.6 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 894 of 1091 in Belgium (1 = hardest); 18 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Limburg it is number 16 of 33 cities; the regional median is 16.5 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: As, 16 km away (11.6 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Hoeselt, 4 km away (34.7 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Belgium →
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 Bilzen
| 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 Bilzen 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 Bilzen safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Belgian suppliers report hardness in °f (French degrees); 1 °f = 10 mg/L CaCO₃.
How many grains per gallon is Bilzen 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 Bilzen?
For 165 mg/L (9.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Bilzen?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: VMM, Kwaliteit van het drinkwater per leveringsgebied 2024, bijlage 2 (mediane concentratie) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. VMM, Kwaliteit van het drinkwater per leveringsgebied 2024, bijlage 2 (mediane concentratie) · Outdated figure? Tell us