Water hardness in Leichlingen
4.4 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Leichlingen is moderately hard: 4.4 °dH (79 mg/L · 4.6 gpg · 7.8 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Leichlingen / WVV Rhein-Wupper, Trinkwasserqualität Jahresmittelwerte 2025 (24.02.2026) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 68–86 mg/L.
Stadtwerke Leichlingen reports an annual mean of 4.4 °dH for 2025, or 78.5 mg/L CaCO₃, with a range of 67.8 to 85.7 mg/L. The water comes through WVV Rhein-Wupper and is based on raw water from the Große Dhünn reservoir, which is low in dissolved minerals. At this level scale is minor and a softener is rarely needed.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.4 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Leichlingen GmbH (WVV Rhein-Wupper) |
How Leichlingen compares
- Tap water in Leichlingen is 62 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 750 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 7 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 146 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Sprockhövel, 24 km away (3.5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Leverkusen, 8 km away (11.4 °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 Leichlingen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 1st |
| 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 Leichlingen water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 79 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.6 gpg, 4.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Leichlingen 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 Leichlingen water?
4.6 gpg, equal to 4.4 °dH, 7.8 °fH or 79 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Leichlingen?
For 79 mg/L (4.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Leichlingen?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Leichlingen / WVV Rhein-Wupper, Trinkwasserqualität Jahresmittelwerte 2025 (24.02.2026) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Leichlingen / WVV Rhein-Wupper, Trinkwasserqualität Jahresmittelwerte 2025 (24.02.2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us