Water hardness in Recklinghausen
11.3 °dH very hard
Tap water in Recklinghausen is very hard: 11.3 °dH (202 mg/L · 11.8 gpg · 20.2 °fH).
Source: Gelsenwasser AG, Wasserhärte nach Ort (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Gelsenwasser lists Recklinghausen at 201.7 mg/L CaCO₃, which falls in the very hard category. The figure comes from the utility's locality table for 2026. Expect visible limescale on kettles and shower screens, and check descaling intervals on appliances.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 11.3 °dH |
|---|
How Recklinghausen compares
- Tap water in Recklinghausen is close to the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 413 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 48 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 70 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Bochum, 15 km away (7.5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Raesfeld, 27 km away (14.3 °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 Recklinghausen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Recklinghausen water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 202 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.8 gpg, 11.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Recklinghausen 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 Recklinghausen water?
11.8 gpg, equal to 11.3 °dH, 20.2 °fH or 202 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Recklinghausen?
For 202 mg/L (11.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Recklinghausen?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Gelsenwasser AG, Wasserhärte nach Ort (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Gelsenwasser AG, Wasserhärte nach Ort · Outdated figure? Tell us