Water hardness in Buchholz in der Nordheide
6.1 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Buchholz in der Nordheide is moderately hard: 6.1 °dH (109 mg/L · 6.4 gpg · 10.9 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Buchholz i.d.N., Wasseranalyse (Wasserwerk Buchholz) (2026-02) · data checked 2026-10-23
Stadtwerke Buchholz reports 108.9 mg/L CaCO₃ (6.1 °dH, 1.1 mmol/L) for Wasserwerk Buchholz in February 2026, labelled soft. The Nordheide is a sandy area, which fits soft water, though the page does not describe the aquifer. We have not confirmed that this single works supplies the whole city, so treat the value as the works figure for Buchholz.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.1 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Buchholz i.d.N. GmbH |
How Buchholz in der Nordheide compares
- Tap water in Buchholz in der Nordheide is 47 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 695 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 14 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Niedersachsen it is number 76 of 94 cities; the regional median is 7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Kirchlinteln, 57 km away (4.6 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Hamburg, 27 km away (11.7 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Buchholz in der Nordheide
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 6 °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 Buchholz in der Nordheide water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 109 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.4 gpg, 6.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Buchholz in der Nordheide 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 Buchholz in der Nordheide water?
6.4 gpg, equal to 6.1 °dH, 10.9 °fH or 109 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Buchholz in der Nordheide?
For 109 mg/L (6.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Buchholz in der Nordheide?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Buchholz i.d.N., Wasseranalyse (Wasserwerk Buchholz) (2026-02). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Buchholz i.d.N., Wasseranalyse (Wasserwerk Buchholz) · Outdated figure? Tell us