Water hardness in Lummen
11.4 °fH moderately hard
Tap water in Lummen is moderately hard: 11.4 °fH (114 mg/L · 6.6 gpg · 6.4 °dH).
Source: VMM, Kwaliteit van het drinkwater per leveringsgebied 2024, bijlage 2 (mediane concentratie) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 111–116 mg/L.
Lummen in Limburg is supplied by De Watergroep. VMM reports a 2024 median of 113.7 mg/L CaCO₃, between 111.4 and 116.0 mg/L. The water is moderately hard and steady across zones.
Belgian suppliers report hardness in °f (French degrees); 1 °f = 10 mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 11.4 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | De Watergroep |
How Lummen compares
- Tap water in Lummen is 64 % softer than the median of the 1091 cities we track in Belgium (31.6 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 959 of 1091 in Belgium (1 = hardest); 12 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Limburg it is number 25 of 33 cities; the regional median is 16.5 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Meerhout, 18 km away (6.8 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Herk-de-Stad, 6 km away (32.2 °fH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Belgium →
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 Lummen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 6 °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 Lummen water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 114 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.6 gpg, 6.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Lummen 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 Lummen water?
6.6 gpg, equal to 6.4 °dH, 11.4 °fH or 114 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Lummen?
For 114 mg/L (6.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Lummen?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
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