Water hardness in Rhede
19.1 °dH very hard
Tap water in Rhede is very hard: 19.1 °dH (341 mg/L · 19.9 gpg · 34.1 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Rhede, Trinkwasserqualität (analysis table) (2023-10) · data checked 2026-11-03
Stadtwerke Rhede supplies the town from its own wells and classes the water as hard, at 19.1 °dH for the whole supply area. The analysis table is dated 13 October 2023, so the figure is more than three years old and is marked stale here. Hardness at this level leaves visible scale in kettles and on taps; ask the utility for a current analysis before relying on the exact number.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 19.1 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Rhede |
How Rhede compares
- Tap water in Rhede is 66 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 96 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 88 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 13 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Bocholt, 6 km away (13.5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Hiddenhausen, 137 km away (24.2 °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 Rhede
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 19 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 5 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Rhede water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 341 mg/L as CaCO₃ (19.9 gpg, 19.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Rhede 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 Rhede water?
19.9 gpg, equal to 19.1 °dH, 34.1 °fH or 341 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Rhede?
For 341 mg/L (19.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Rhede?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Rhede, Trinkwasserqualität (analysis table) (2023-10). Method: older figure, source currently unavailable. Stadtwerke Rhede, Trinkwasserqualität (analysis table) · Outdated figure? Tell us