Water hardness in La Calamine
16.1 °fH hard
Tap water in La Calamine is hard: 16.1 °fH (161 mg/L · 9.4 gpg · 9 °dH).
Source: SPW, qualité de l'eau potable par zone de distribution, année civile 2025 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 75–256 mg/L.
La Calamine is served by KELMIS and SWDE. SPW (2025) reports a median hardness of 16.1 °f, but zones range from 7.5 to 25.6 °f. Depending on the neighbourhood the water can be fairly mild or hard, so check your zone before buying any equipment.
Belgian suppliers report hardness in °f (French degrees); 1 °f = 10 mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 16.1 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | KELMIS, SWDE |
How La Calamine compares
- Tap water in La Calamine is 49 % softer than the median of the 1091 cities we track in Belgium (31.6 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 910 of 1091 in Belgium (1 = hardest); 16 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Liège it is number 147 of 237 cities; the regional median is 27.3 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Moresnet, 2 km away (7.5 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Neu-Moresnet, 1 km away (24.7 °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 La Calamine
| 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 La Calamine water hard or soft?
It is hard: 161 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.4 gpg, 9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in La Calamine 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 La Calamine water?
9.4 gpg, equal to 9 °dH, 16.1 °fH or 161 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in La Calamine?
For 161 mg/L (9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in La Calamine?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: SPW, qualité de l'eau potable par zone de distribution, année civile 2025 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. SPW, qualité de l'eau potable par zone de distribution, année civile 2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us