Water hardness in Waltrop
11.3 °dH very hard
Tap water in Waltrop is very hard: 11.3 °dH (202 mg/L · 11.8 gpg · 20.2 °fH).
Source: Gelsenwasser AG, Wasserhärte nach Ort (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Gelsenwasser's 2026 table reports 201.7 mg/L CaCO₃ for Waltrop, which is very hard. No range is held for the town. Limescale forms quickly on heating elements and glass.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 11.3 °dH |
|---|
How Waltrop compares
- Tap water in Waltrop is close to the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 413 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 48 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 70 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Lünen, 8 km away (7.8 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Raesfeld, 37 km away (14.3 °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 Waltrop
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °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 Waltrop water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 202 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.8 gpg, 11.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Waltrop 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 Waltrop water?
11.8 gpg, equal to 11.3 °dH, 20.2 °fH or 202 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Waltrop?
For 202 mg/L (11.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Waltrop?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Gelsenwasser AG, Wasserhärte nach Ort (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Gelsenwasser AG, Wasserhärte nach Ort · Outdated figure? Tell us