Water hardness in Spenge
17.5 °dH very hard
Tap water in Spenge is very hard: 17.5 °dH (312 mg/L · 18.2 gpg · 31.2 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Herford - Wasseranalyse Herford, Hiddenhausen und Spenge, Stand Juni 2026 (2026-06) · data checked 2026-11-03
Range across supply zones: 196–428 mg/L.
Stadtwerke Herford prints one range for Spenge in its analysis for Herford, Hiddenhausen and Spenge (Stand June 2026): 11 to 24 °dH, depending on the supply area. No average is given, so the stored value of 312.4 mg/L CaCO₃ is the midpoint of that range, 196.4 to 428.4 mg/L. Treat it as a rough guide and ask the utility which figure applies to your address.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 17.5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Herford |
How Spenge compares
- Tap water in Spenge is 52 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 165 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 79 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 16 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Oerlinghausen, 9 km away (8.7 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Hiddenhausen, 2 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 Spenge
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 18 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| 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 Spenge water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 312 mg/L as CaCO₃ (18.2 gpg, 17.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Spenge 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 Spenge water?
18.2 gpg, equal to 17.5 °dH, 31.2 °fH or 312 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Spenge?
For 312 mg/L (17.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Spenge?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Herford - Wasseranalyse Herford, Hiddenhausen und Spenge, Stand Juni 2026 (2026-06). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. Stadtwerke Herford - Wasseranalyse Herford, Hiddenhausen und Spenge, Stand Juni 2026 · Outdated figure? Tell us