Water hardness in Delmenhorst
7.4 °dH hard
Tap water in Delmenhorst is hard: 7.4 °dH (131 mg/L · 7.7 gpg · 13.1 °fH).
Source: OOWV, Trinkwasseranalysen der Wasserwerke (2026) (2026-01) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 125–137 mg/L.
OOWV's waterworks analyses from January 2026 show 131.2 mg/L CaCO₃ for Delmenhorst, measured, with a narrow range of 124.9 to 137.4 mg/L. The water is hard. Because the range is tight, the city figure is a reliable estimate for most households.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.4 °dH |
|---|
How Delmenhorst compares
- Tap water in Delmenhorst is 36 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 610 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 24 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Niedersachsen it is number 35 of 94 cities; the regional median is 7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Kirchlinteln, 49 km away (4.6 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Lilienthal, 23 km away (12.5 °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 Delmenhorst
| 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 Delmenhorst water hard or soft?
It is hard: 131 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.7 gpg, 7.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Delmenhorst 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 Delmenhorst water?
7.7 gpg, equal to 7.4 °dH, 13.1 °fH or 131 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Delmenhorst?
For 131 mg/L (7.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Delmenhorst?
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