Water hardness in Cloppenburg
6.8 °dH hard
Tap water in Cloppenburg is hard: 6.8 °dH (121 mg/L · 7.1 gpg · 12.1 °fH).
Source: OOWV, Trinkwasseranalysen der Wasserwerke (2026) (2026-01) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 118–125 mg/L.
OOWV measured 121.4 mg/L CaCO₃ for Cloppenburg in its January 2026 analyses, with a range of 117.8 to 124.9 mg/L. That is hard water, but at the lower end of the category. Scale builds up steadily on heating elements.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.8 °dH |
|---|
How Cloppenburg compares
- Tap water in Cloppenburg is 41 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 642 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 19 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Niedersachsen it is number 53 of 94 cities; the regional median is 7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Werlte, 33 km away (4.8 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Lingen (Ems), 61 km away (9.6 °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 Cloppenburg
| 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 Cloppenburg water hard or soft?
It is hard: 121 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.1 gpg, 6.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Cloppenburg 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 Cloppenburg water?
7.1 gpg, equal to 6.8 °dH, 12.1 °fH or 121 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Cloppenburg?
For 121 mg/L (6.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Cloppenburg?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: OOWV, Trinkwasseranalysen der Wasserwerke (2026) (2026-01). Method: own measurement. OOWV, Trinkwasseranalysen der Wasserwerke (2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us