Water hardness in Marche-en-Famenne
12 °fH hard
Tap water in Marche-en-Famenne is hard: 12 °fH (120 mg/L · 7 gpg · 6.7 °dH).
Source: SPW, qualité de l'eau potable par zone de distribution, année civile 2025 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
SWDE supplies this part of the Ardennes region, where the rock is mostly shale and sandstone that release little calcium. The reported 2025 figure is 120.0 mg/L CaCO₃ and no range is given for this supply area. This is hard water: expect visible limescale on taps and glass, and a shorter life for heating elements unless they are descaled.
Belgian suppliers report hardness in °f (French degrees); 1 °f = 10 mg/L CaCO₃.
Water data
| Total hardness | 12 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | SWDE |
How Marche-en-Famenne compares
- Tap water in Marche-en-Famenne is 62 % softer than the median of the 1091 cities we track in Belgium (31.6 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 939 of 1091 in Belgium (1 = hardest); 13 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Luxembourg it is number 46 of 94 cities; the regional median is 12 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Tellin, 19 km away (2.6 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Noiseux, 8 km away (33.6 °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 Marche-en-Famenne
| 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 Marche-en-Famenne water hard or soft?
It is hard: 120 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7 gpg, 6.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Marche-en-Famenne 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 Marche-en-Famenne water?
7 gpg, equal to 6.7 °dH, 12 °fH or 120 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Marche-en-Famenne?
For 120 mg/L (6.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Marche-en-Famenne?
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