Water hardness in Wickede
7.7 °dH hard
Tap water in Wickede is hard: 7.7 °dH (138 mg/L · 8.1 gpg · 13.8 °fH).
Source: Gelsenwasser AG, Wasserhärte nach Ort (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 129–148 mg/L.
Gelsenwasser's 2026 locality table gives Wickede 138.3 mg/L CaCO₃, in a range of 128.5 to 148.1 mg/L. The water is hard. Expect gradual limescale on heating elements.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.7 °dH |
|---|
How Wickede compares
- Tap water in Wickede is 33 % softer than the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 583 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 28 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 115 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Werdohl, 27 km away (2.3 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Iserlohn, 18 km away (11.8 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Wickede
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| 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 Wickede water hard or soft?
It is hard: 138 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.1 gpg, 7.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Wickede 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 Wickede water?
8.1 gpg, equal to 7.7 °dH, 13.8 °fH or 138 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Wickede?
For 138 mg/L (7.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Wickede?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Gelsenwasser AG, Wasserhärte nach Ort (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Gelsenwasser AG, Wasserhärte nach Ort · Outdated figure? Tell us