Water hardness in Malmédy
6.4 °fH moderately hard
Tap water in Malmédy is moderately hard: 6.4 °fH (64 mg/L · 3.7 gpg · 3.6 °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: 50–79 mg/L.
In Malmedy (province of Liège) the water comes from SWDE. The SPW median for 2025 is 64 mg/L CaCO₃, with 50 to 79 mg/L by zone: moderate hardness, well below most Belgian towns in this batch. Scale forms more slowly. A softener is rarely needed.
Belgian suppliers report hardness in °f (French degrees); 1 °f = 10 mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.4 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | SWDE |
How Malmédy compares
- Tap water in Malmédy is 80 % softer than the median of the 1091 cities we track in Belgium (31.6 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 1055 of 1091 in Belgium (1 = hardest); 3 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Liège it is number 224 of 237 cities; the regional median is 27.3 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Amblève, 13 km away (3.5 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Waimes, 6 km away (8.2 °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 Malmédy
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Malmédy water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 64 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.7 gpg, 3.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Malmédy 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 Malmédy water?
3.7 gpg, equal to 3.6 °dH, 6.4 °fH or 64 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Malmédy?
For 64 mg/L (3.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Malmédy?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
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