Water hardness in Holzwickede
8.2 °dH hard
Tap water in Holzwickede is hard: 8.2 °dH (146 mg/L · 8.6 gpg · 14.6 °fH).
Source: Wasserwerke Westfalen - Analyse 2025 Wasserwerk Hengsen (Jahresmittelwert) (2025) · data checked 2026-11-03
The figure of 146.4 mg/L CaCO₃ is the 2025 annual mean for the Hengsen waterworks, run by Wasserwerke Westfalen and used by the municipal water utility. It is hard water and sits close to nearby Unna (133.9 mg/L) and Dortmund (137.4 mg/L). Scale builds up slowly, but a descaling routine for kettles and showerheads still pays off.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.2 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Wasserwerke Westfalen GmbH (Wasserwerk Hengsen); Gemeinde Holzwickede Eigenbetrieb Wasserversorgung |
How Holzwickede compares
- Tap water in Holzwickede is 29 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 563 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 30 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 109 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Hemer, 16 km away (6.5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Iserlohn, 15 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 Holzwickede
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| 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 Holzwickede water hard or soft?
It is hard: 146 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.6 gpg, 8.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Holzwickede 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 Holzwickede water?
8.6 gpg, equal to 8.2 °dH, 14.6 °fH or 146 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Holzwickede?
For 146 mg/L (8.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Holzwickede?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Wasserwerke Westfalen - Analyse 2025 Wasserwerk Hengsen (Jahresmittelwert) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Wasserwerke Westfalen - Analyse 2025 Wasserwerk Hengsen (Jahresmittelwert) · Outdated figure? Tell us