Water hardness in Rahden
5.9 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Rahden is moderately hard: 5.9 °dH (105 mg/L · 6.2 gpg · 10.5 °fH).
Source: Stadt Rahden Wasserwerk - Chemische Trinkwasseruntersuchung 2025 (Pruefbericht, Probe 11.04.2025) (2025) · data checked 2026-11-03
The figure of 105.3 mg/L CaCO₃ comes from one sample of treated water at Wasserwerk Wehe, taken on 11 April 2025 and reported as soft. It is a single test result, not a town average, and the source does not state how far the works' supply area extends. Use it as an indication and compare it with the municipality's latest analysis.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5.9 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadt Rahden Wasserwerk (Wasserwerk Wehe) |
How Rahden compares
- Tap water in Rahden is 49 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 702 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 13 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 135 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Kirchlinteln, 84 km away (4.6 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Bünde, 11 km away (21.7 °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 Rahden
| 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 Rahden water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 105 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.2 gpg, 5.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Rahden 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 Rahden water?
6.2 gpg, equal to 5.9 °dH, 10.5 °fH or 105 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Rahden?
For 105 mg/L (5.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Rahden?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Stadt Rahden Wasserwerk - Chemische Trinkwasseruntersuchung 2025 (Pruefbericht, Probe 11.04.2025) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadt Rahden Wasserwerk - Chemische Trinkwasseruntersuchung 2025 (Pruefbericht, Probe 11.04.2025) · Outdated figure? Tell us