Water hardness in Bochum
7.5 °dH hard
Tap water in Bochum is hard: 7.5 °dH (133 mg/L · 7.8 gpg · 13.3 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Bochum, Wasserqualität: quarterly Gesamthärte per supply area (2026-06) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 130–136 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bochum (without Langendreer and Werne) | 7.3 | 130 | hard |
| Bochum-Langendreer and Bochum-Werne | 7.6 | 136 | hard |
Stadtwerke Bochum reports quarterly hardness for two supply areas, and the second quarter of 2026 gives 133.0 mg/L CaCO₃ as the median. The two areas, Langendreer with Werne and the rest of Bochum, differ by only a few mg/L (130.3 to 135.7). Quarterly values can shift, so the page is worth re-checking before a purchase.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Bochum (H2BO) |
How Bochum compares
- Tap water in Bochum is 35 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 606 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 25 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 123 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Wuppertal, 25 km away (5.5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Gelsenkirchen, 10 km away (9.5 °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 Bochum
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 7 °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 Bochum water hard or soft?
It is hard: 133 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.8 gpg, 7.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bochum 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 Bochum water?
7.8 gpg, equal to 7.5 °dH, 13.3 °fH or 133 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bochum?
For 133 mg/L (7.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Bochum?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Bochum, Wasserqualität: quarterly Gesamthärte per supply area (2026-06). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Bochum, Wasserqualität: quarterly Gesamthärte per supply area · Outdated figure? Tell us