Water hardness in Barntrup
15 °dH very hard
Tap water in Barntrup is very hard: 15 °dH (268 mg/L · 15.6 gpg · 26.8 °fH).
Source: Stadt Barntrup Trinkwasser-Pruefbericht Probe A2511325/05 (Ortsnetz Selbeck), Probenahme 03.06.2025 (2025-06) · data checked 2026-11-06
Range across supply zones: 252–280 mg/L.
5 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Netz Alverdissen (Grundschule Alverdissen, Herrengarten 4) | 14.1 | 252 | very hard |
| Netz Barntrup (Rathaus, Mittelstr. 38) | 15 | 268 | very hard |
| Netz Selbeck (Hochbehaelter Selbeck, Lemgoer Breite) | 15.3 | 273 | very hard |
| Netz Sommersell (Koerber, Im Wietrog 4) | 15.7 | 280 | very hard |
| Netz Sonneborn (Sporthaus, Griessemer Str.) | 14.2 | 254 | very hard |
The municipal waterworks of Barntrup supplies five Ortsnetze (local networks). Each network was sampled once in 2025 (March or June); values range from 251.7 to 280.2 mg/L, with a median of 267.8 mg/L. With a single sample per network, the figure at your own address may differ.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 15 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Wasserwerk der Stadt Barntrup (Eigenbetrieb der Stadt) |
How Barntrup compares
- Tap water in Barntrup is 30 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 258 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 68 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 26 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Schieder-Schwalenberg, 12 km away (11.6 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Aerzen, 14 km away (19.1 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Barntrup
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 15 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Barntrup water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 268 mg/L as CaCO₃ (15.6 gpg, 15 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Barntrup 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 Barntrup water?
15.6 gpg, equal to 15 °dH, 26.8 °fH or 268 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Barntrup?
For 268 mg/L (15 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Barntrup?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadt Barntrup Trinkwasser-Pruefbericht Probe A2511325/05 (Ortsnetz Selbeck), Probenahme 03.06.2025 (2025-06). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadt Barntrup Trinkwasser-Pruefbericht Probe A2511325/05 (Ortsnetz Selbeck), Probenahme 03.06.2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us