Water hardness in Viersen
12.6 °dH very hard
Tap water in Viersen is very hard: 12.6 °dH (225 mg/L · 13.1 gpg · 22.5 °fH).
Source: NEW Trinkwasseranalyse Wasserwerk Dülken, Probe 06.10.2025 (2025-10) · data checked 2026-10-20
The Viersen figure comes from one NEW Niederrheinwasser lab report for the Dülken waterworks outlet, sampled on 6 October 2025. It gives 224.9 mg/L CaCO₃, and the lab marks hardness as calculated, not measured directly. No other Viersen works is covered, so this is not a confirmed citywide value.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 12.6 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | NEW Niederrheinwasser |
How Viersen compares
- Tap water in Viersen is 10 % harder than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 356 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 55 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 59 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Heinsberg, 29 km away (8.4 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Ratingen, 32 km away (19.1 °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 Viersen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 13 °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 Viersen water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 225 mg/L as CaCO₃ (13.1 gpg, 12.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Viersen 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 Viersen water?
13.1 gpg, equal to 12.6 °dH, 22.5 °fH or 225 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Viersen?
For 225 mg/L (12.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Viersen?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: NEW Trinkwasseranalyse Wasserwerk Dülken, Probe 06.10.2025 (2025-10). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. NEW Trinkwasseranalyse Wasserwerk Dülken, Probe 06.10.2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us