Water hardness in Plettenberg
5 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Plettenberg is moderately hard: 5 °dH (89 mg/L · 5.2 gpg · 8.9 °fH).
Source: Trinkwasserversorgung Plettenberg (Mark-E AG), Trinkwasseranalyse 2025 (2025-10) · data checked 2026-10-23
Range across supply zones: 41–109 mg/L.
3 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bezug WBV Lüdenscheid (WW Treckinghausen) | 2.3 | 41 | soft |
| TW Siesel | 5 | 89 | moderately hard |
| Wasserwerk Brockhausen | 6.1 | 109 | moderately hard |
Mark-E's 2025 analysis lists three sources for Plettenberg. Water bought from Lüdenscheid (Treckinghausen) is at 41.1 mg/L CaCO₃, TW Siesel at 89.2 mg/L and the Brockhausen waterworks at 108.9 mg/L. The city figure is 89.2 mg/L. The values are low for Germany, but still depend on the part of town you live in.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Mark-E AG (Trinkwasserversorgung Plettenberg) |
How Plettenberg compares
- Tap water in Plettenberg is 57 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 736 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 9 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 141 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Werdohl, 10 km away (2.3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Neuenrade, 11 km away (9 °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 Plettenberg
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °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 Plettenberg water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 89 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.2 gpg, 5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Plettenberg 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 Plettenberg water?
5.2 gpg, equal to 5 °dH, 8.9 °fH or 89 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Plettenberg?
For 89 mg/L (5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Plettenberg?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Trinkwasserversorgung Plettenberg (Mark-E AG), Trinkwasseranalyse 2025 (2025-10). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Trinkwasserversorgung Plettenberg (Mark-E AG), Trinkwasseranalyse 2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us