Water hardness in Lage
23.5 °dH very hard
Tap water in Lage is very hard: 23.5 °dH (420 mg/L · 24.5 gpg · 42 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Lage – Unser Wasser (2026) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 339–500 mg/L.
Stadtwerke Lage publishes a range from 339.2 to 499.8 mg/L CaCO₃, and the figure of 419.5 mg/L is computed from it. This is among the harder values in the region. Bad Salzuflen is listed at 291.0 mg/L and Detmold at 198.1 mg/L. Ask the utility which value applies at your address.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 23.5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Lage |
How Lage compares
- Tap water in Lage is 104 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 22 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 97 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 4 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Bad Salzuflen, 10 km away (16.3 °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 Lage
| 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 Lage water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 420 mg/L as CaCO₃ (24.5 gpg, 23.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Lage 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 Lage water?
24.5 gpg, equal to 23.5 °dH, 42 °fH or 420 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Lage?
For 420 mg/L (23.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Lage?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Lage – Unser Wasser (2026). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Stadtwerke Lage – Unser Wasser · Outdated figure? Tell us