Water hardness in Tholey
5.6 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Tholey is moderately hard: 5.6 °dH (100 mg/L · 5.8 gpg · 10 °fH).
Source: Gemeinde Tholey / WVW – Qualität des Trinkwassers im Bereich der Gemeinde Tholey, Stand Mai 2020 (2020) · data checked 2026-10-29
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
The WVW customer information for Tholey dates from May 2020 and gives 100.0 mg/L CaCO₃, with calcium at 28 mg/L and magnesium at 7.2 mg/L. That is moderate, and close to Saarbrücken (110.7 mg/L). Heusweiler, 18 km away, reports 214.2 mg/L. The data is several years old and lists no zones, so treat it as indicative.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 5.6 °dH |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 28 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 7.2 |
| Utility | WVW (Kundeninformation der WVW) |
How Tholey compares
- Tap water in Tholey is 51 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 712 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 12 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Saarland it is number 10 of 11 cities; the regional median is 7.9 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Hermeskeil, 20 km away (3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Nonnweiler, 5 km away (9.4 °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 Tholey
| 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 Tholey water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 100 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.8 gpg, 5.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Tholey 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 Tholey water?
5.8 gpg, equal to 5.6 °dH, 10 °fH or 100 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Tholey?
For 100 mg/L (5.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Tholey?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Gemeinde Tholey / WVW – Qualität des Trinkwassers im Bereich der Gemeinde Tholey, Stand Mai 2020 (2020). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Gemeinde Tholey / WVW – Qualität des Trinkwassers im Bereich der Gemeinde Tholey, Stand Mai 2020 · Outdated figure? Tell us