Water hardness in Hagen
7.2 °dH hard
Tap water in Hagen is hard: 7.2 °dH (129 mg/L · 7.5 gpg · 12.8 °fH).
Source: Mark-E AG, Trinkwasseranalyse Wasserwerk Hengstey, Jahresmittelwert 2025 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-19
The figure of 128.5 mg/L CaCO₃ is the 2025 annual mean from Mark-E's Hengstey waterworks. It is the only Hagen source we have verified, and we have not checked whether other works also supply parts of the city. Treat it as an indication for the Hengstey supply area. Ask the utility for your address if the exact value matters.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.2 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Mark-E AG (Wasserwerk Hengstey) |
How Hagen compares
- Tap water in Hagen is 37 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 621 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 23 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 124 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Sprockhövel, 19 km away (3.5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Iserlohn, 16 km away (11.8 °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 Hagen
| 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 Hagen water hard or soft?
It is hard: 129 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.5 gpg, 7.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Hagen 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 Hagen water?
7.5 gpg, equal to 7.2 °dH, 12.8 °fH or 129 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Hagen?
For 129 mg/L (7.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Hagen?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Mark-E AG, Trinkwasseranalyse Wasserwerk Hengstey, Jahresmittelwert 2025 (2025). Method: own measurement. Mark-E AG, Trinkwasseranalyse Wasserwerk Hengstey, Jahresmittelwert 2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us