Water hardness in Ochtrup
13.8 °dH very hard
Tap water in Ochtrup is very hard: 13.8 °dH (246 mg/L · 14.4 gpg · 24.6 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Ochtrup Trinkwasseranalyse (sampling 17.03.2025 to 19.05.2025) (2025) · data checked 2026-11-03
Stadtwerke Ochtrup reports a single citywide value of 246.3 mg/L CaCO₃ from samples taken between 17 March and 19 May 2025. That puts the town in the very hard category, higher than Ahaus (196 mg/L) and Coesfeld (179 mg/L) but below Gronau (286 mg/L). Expect limescale on kettles and taps.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 13.8 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Ochtrup |
How Ochtrup compares
- Tap water in Ochtrup is 20 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 303 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 62 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 42 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Ahaus, 19 km away (11 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Greven, 31 km away (20 °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 Ochtrup
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 14 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 4th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Ochtrup water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 246 mg/L as CaCO₃ (14.4 gpg, 13.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Ochtrup 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 Ochtrup water?
14.4 gpg, equal to 13.8 °dH, 24.6 °fH or 246 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Ochtrup?
For 246 mg/L (13.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Ochtrup?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Ochtrup Trinkwasseranalyse (sampling 17.03.2025 to 19.05.2025) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Ochtrup Trinkwasseranalyse (sampling 17.03.2025 to 19.05.2025) · Outdated figure? Tell us