Water hardness in Oerlinghausen
8.7 °dH hard
Tap water in Oerlinghausen is hard: 8.7 °dH (155 mg/L · 9.1 gpg · 15.5 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Oerlinghausen, Wasserqualität Analysedaten Stand 17.09.2025 (2025-09) · data checked 2026-11-03
Range across supply zones: 130–580 mg/L.
3 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Helpup | 32.5 | 580 | very hard |
| Oerlinghausen/Währentrup/Oetenhausen/Querriegel | 8.7 | 155 | hard |
| Südstadt/Lipperreihe/Bokelfenn | 7.3 | 130 | hard |
Stadtwerke Oerlinghausen lists three supply zones in its September 2025 analysis data. Helpup is far harder at 580.1 mg/L CaCO₃, while the main town area shows 155.3 mg/L and Südstadt/Lipperreihe/Bokelfenn 130.3 mg/L. The headline figure of 155.3 mg/L therefore does not apply to Helpup, so households there should read the zone table first.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.7 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Oerlinghausen |
How Oerlinghausen compares
- Tap water in Oerlinghausen is 24 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 546 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 32 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 105 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Rahden, 25 km away (5.9 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Herford, 5 km away (17.5 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Oerlinghausen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H2 |
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 Oerlinghausen water hard or soft?
It is hard: 155 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.1 gpg, 8.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Oerlinghausen 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 Oerlinghausen water?
9.1 gpg, equal to 8.7 °dH, 15.5 °fH or 155 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Oerlinghausen?
For 155 mg/L (8.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Oerlinghausen?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Oerlinghausen, Wasserqualität Analysedaten Stand 17.09.2025 (2025-09). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Oerlinghausen, Wasserqualität Analysedaten Stand 17.09.2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us