Water hardness in Schmallenberg
4.3 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Schmallenberg is moderately hard: 4.3 °dH (77 mg/L · 4.5 gpg · 7.7 °fH).
Source: Stadt Schmallenberg - Trinkwasserhärte 2022, Untersuchungsbericht Oktober 2021 (2022) · data checked 2026-10-24
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
The figure of 76.7 mg/L CaCO₃ comes from a city table published by Stadt Schmallenberg for 2022, based on an investigation report from October 2021. It is therefore stale, and we have not been able to confirm which operator supplies which part of the town. Other places in the Sauerland region are also soft, such as Olpe at 51.8 mg/L, but Warstein, 20 km away, is listed at 262.4 mg/L, so check a recent analysis from your own supplier. At this value limescale is a minor issue.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 4.3 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadt Schmallenberg - city table, operator per Wassergewinnung not confirmed |
How Schmallenberg compares
- Tap water in Schmallenberg is 63 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 762 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 6 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 147 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Werdohl, 36 km away (2.3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Arnsberg, 19 km away (7.6 °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 Schmallenberg
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 1st |
| 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 Schmallenberg water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 77 mg/L as CaCO₃ (4.5 gpg, 4.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Schmallenberg 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 Schmallenberg water?
4.5 gpg, equal to 4.3 °dH, 7.7 °fH or 77 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Schmallenberg?
For 77 mg/L (4.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Schmallenberg?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Stadt Schmallenberg - Trinkwasserhärte 2022, Untersuchungsbericht Oktober 2021 (2022). Method: older figure, source currently unavailable. Stadt Schmallenberg - Trinkwasserhärte 2022, Untersuchungsbericht Oktober 2021 · Outdated figure? Tell us