Water hardness in Riemst
13.7 °fH hard
Tap water in Riemst is hard: 13.7 °fH (137 mg/L · 8 gpg · 7.7 °dH).
Source: VMM, Kwaliteit van het drinkwater per leveringsgebied 2024, bijlage 2 (mediane concentratie) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-19
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 reported 2024 figure is 136.9 mg/L CaCO₃ and no range is given for this supply area. 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 | 13.7 °fH |
|---|---|
| Utility | De Watergroep |
How Riemst compares
- Tap water in Riemst is 57 % softer than the median of the 1091 cities we track in Belgium (31.6 °fH).
- By hardness it ranks 932 of 1091 in Belgium (1 = hardest); 15 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Limburg it is number 20 of 33 cities; the regional median is 16.5 °fH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Argenteau, 13 km away (7.5 °fH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Eben-Emael, 5 km away (31.6 °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 Riemst
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| 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 Riemst water hard or soft?
It is hard: 137 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8 gpg, 7.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Riemst 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 Riemst water?
8 gpg, equal to 7.7 °dH, 13.7 °fH or 137 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Riemst?
For 137 mg/L (7.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Riemst?
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