Water hardness in Gescher
11.4 °dH very hard
Tap water in Gescher is very hard: 11.4 °dH (204 mg/L · 11.9 gpg · 20.4 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Gescher - Veröffentlichung Wasseranalyse 2025 (PDF) (2025) · data checked 2026-11-03
Stadtwerke Gescher publishes one hardness figure for its supply water in the 2025 analysis, 203.5 mg/L CaCO₃, with no zone named. The city page notes that a separate area is supplied by another utility (RWW), so a few addresses may see different water. The data does not say where the water is sourced, so check your annual notice if you are unsure which supplier serves you.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 11.4 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Gescher GmbH |
How Gescher compares
- Tap water in Gescher is close to the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 407 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 49 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Velen, 7 km away (3.9 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Borken, 16 km away (14.3 °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 Gescher
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Gescher water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 204 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.9 gpg, 11.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Gescher 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 Gescher water?
11.9 gpg, equal to 11.4 °dH, 20.4 °fH or 204 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Gescher?
For 204 mg/L (11.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Gescher?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Gescher - Veröffentlichung Wasseranalyse 2025 (PDF) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Gescher - Veröffentlichung Wasseranalyse 2025 (PDF) · Outdated figure? Tell us