Water hardness in Kleve
6.5 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Kleve is moderately hard: 6.5 °dH (116 mg/L · 6.8 gpg · 11.6 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Kleve GmbH - Jahresdurchschnittsanalyse 2025 (IWW) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-22
Stadtwerke Kleve publishes a 2025 annual average analysis, carried out by IWW. It gives 115.8 mg/L CaCO₃. Cities to the south and east are much harder: Bocholt reports 241.0 mg/L and Moers 235.6 mg/L. So hardness here should not be guessed from the surrounding towns. Moderate scale on heating elements is the usual consequence.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Kleve GmbH |
How Kleve compares
- Tap water in Kleve is 44 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 677 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 16 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 132 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Velen, 59 km away (3.9 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Emmerich am Rhein, 9 km away (12.3 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Kleve
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 6 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Kleve water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 116 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.8 gpg, 6.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Kleve 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 Kleve water?
6.8 gpg, equal to 6.5 °dH, 11.6 °fH or 116 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Kleve?
For 116 mg/L (6.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Kleve?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Kleve GmbH - Jahresdurchschnittsanalyse 2025 (IWW) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Kleve GmbH - Jahresdurchschnittsanalyse 2025 (IWW) · Outdated figure? Tell us