Water hardness in Arnsberg
7.6 °dH hard
Tap water in Arnsberg is hard: 7.6 °dH (136 mg/L · 7.9 gpg · 13.6 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Arnsberg, Auszug Trinkwasseranalysen (Stand 2026) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 127–171 mg/L.
6 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Mintequelle (Holzen) | 9.6 | 171 | hard |
| Vorkenbruch, Müssenberg | 7.1 | 127 | hard |
| Wassergewinnungsanlage Echthausen | 7.1 | 127 | hard |
| Wassergewinnungsanlage Langel | 7.3 | 130 | hard |
| Wassergewinnungsanlage Lattenberg | 8.9 | 159 | hard |
| Wassergewinnungsanlage Möhnebogen | 7.9 | 141 | hard |
Stadtwerke Arnsberg publishes hardness for its individual water extraction sites. Six entries give a median of 135.6 mg/L CaCO₃ within a range of 126.7 to 171.3 mg/L, with the Mintequelle at Holzen the hardest. Some rows date from 2022 to 2024, as printed on the page. Ask the utility which site supplies your district.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.6 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Arnsberg |
How Arnsberg compares
- Tap water in Arnsberg is 34 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 595 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 26 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 118 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Schmallenberg, 19 km away (4.3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Sundern, 8 km away (11.5 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
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 Arnsberg
| 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 Arnsberg water hard or soft?
It is hard: 136 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.9 gpg, 7.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Arnsberg safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
How many grains per gallon is Arnsberg water?
7.9 gpg, equal to 7.6 °dH, 13.6 °fH or 136 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Arnsberg?
For 136 mg/L (7.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Arnsberg?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Arnsberg, Auszug Trinkwasseranalysen (Stand 2026) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Arnsberg, Auszug Trinkwasseranalysen (Stand 2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us