Water hardness in Olpe
2.9 °dH soft
Tap water in Olpe is soft: 2.9 °dH (52 mg/L · 3 gpg · 5.2 °fH).
Source: Kreiswerke Olpe Wasserversorgung Erbscheid - Wirtschaftsjahr 2024 Bekanntgabe (2024) · data checked 2026-10-24
Kreiswerke Olpe published its 2024 disclosure for the Olpe network, which gives 51.8 mg/L CaCO₃, in the soft class. We use a single figure for the town and have no zone breakdown, so small differences between districts are possible. Lüdenscheid (50.0 mg/L) is similarly soft, while Sundern and Iserlohn, 35 to 40 km away, are above 200 mg/L. Limescale is rarely a problem here, and detergent dosing for soft water avoids using too much.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 2.9 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Kreiswerke Olpe (KWO) - Olpe-Netz, Bigge-Energie publication |
How Olpe compares
- Tap water in Olpe is 75 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 797 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 1 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 151 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Werdohl, 26 km away (2.3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Plettenberg, 20 km away (5 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Olpe
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Olpe water hard or soft?
It is soft: 52 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3 gpg, 2.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Olpe 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 Olpe water?
3 gpg, equal to 2.9 °dH, 5.2 °fH or 52 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Olpe?
For 52 mg/L (2.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Olpe?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Kreiswerke Olpe Wasserversorgung Erbscheid - Wirtschaftsjahr 2024 Bekanntgabe (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Kreiswerke Olpe Wasserversorgung Erbscheid - Wirtschaftsjahr 2024 Bekanntgabe · Outdated figure? Tell us