Water hardness in Hiddenhausen
24.2 °dH very hard
Tap water in Hiddenhausen is very hard: 24.2 °dH (432 mg/L · 25.2 gpg · 43.2 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Herford – Wasserqualität Herford, Hiddenhausen und Spenge (Stand Juni 2026) (2026) · data checked 2026-11-02
Range across supply zones: 384–480 mg/L.
Stadtwerke Herford's water quality sheet, dated June 2026, covers Herford, Hiddenhausen and Spenge. The computed figure for Hiddenhausen is 432.0 mg/L CaCO₃ within a range of 383.8 to 480.2 mg/L, clearly higher than Herford (312.4 mg/L). Very hard water like this scales heating elements quickly, so a softener or descaling plan is worth considering.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 24.2 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Herford |
How Hiddenhausen compares
- Tap water in Hiddenhausen is 110 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 18 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 98 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 3 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Spenge, 2 km away (17.5 °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 Hiddenhausen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H06 |
| Miele | 24 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 6 |
| Beko | 6th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| LG | H4 |
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 Hiddenhausen water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 432 mg/L as CaCO₃ (25.2 gpg, 24.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Hiddenhausen 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 Hiddenhausen water?
25.2 gpg, equal to 24.2 °dH, 43.2 °fH or 432 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Hiddenhausen?
For 432 mg/L (24.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Hiddenhausen?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Herford – Wasserqualität Herford, Hiddenhausen und Spenge (Stand Juni 2026) (2026). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Stadtwerke Herford – Wasserqualität Herford, Hiddenhausen und Spenge (Stand Juni 2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us