Water hardness in Nordenham
6.4 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Nordenham is moderately hard: 6.4 °dH (114 mg/L · 6.7 gpg · 11.4 °fH).
Source: OOWV, Trinkwasseranalysen der Wasserwerke (2026) (2026-01) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 104–125 mg/L.
OOWV's January 2026 analyses give Nordenham 114.2 mg/L CaCO₃, measured, in a range of 103.5 to 124.9 mg/L. The water is moderate. Scale builds up more slowly than in the very hard areas of the Ruhr region.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.4 °dH |
|---|
How Nordenham compares
- Tap water in Nordenham is 44 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 681 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 15 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Niedersachsen it is number 73 of 94 cities; the regional median is 7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Kirchlinteln, 86 km away (4.6 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Bremerhaven, 7 km away (9.5 °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 Nordenham
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| 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 Nordenham water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 114 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.7 gpg, 6.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Nordenham 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 Nordenham water?
6.7 gpg, equal to 6.4 °dH, 11.4 °fH or 114 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Nordenham?
For 114 mg/L (6.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Nordenham?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: OOWV, Trinkwasseranalysen der Wasserwerke (2026) (2026-01). Method: own measurement. OOWV, Trinkwasseranalysen der Wasserwerke (2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us