Water hardness in Amsterdam
7.8 °dH hard
Tap water in Amsterdam is hard: 7.8 °dH (139 mg/L · 8.1 gpg · 13.9 °fH).
Source: Waternet, drinkwater Leiduin wettelijk 2025 jaaroverzicht (2025) · data checked 2026-10-22
Range across supply zones: 123–154 mg/L.
2 supply zones — hardness varies by neighbourhood; the figure above is the median.
Hardness by district / supply zone
| °dH | mg/L | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Productielocatie Leiduin | 7.9 | 141 | hard |
| Productielocatie Weesperkarspel | 7.7 | 137 | hard |
Waternet makes Amsterdam's tap water mainly from Rhine water that is pre-treated, infiltrated into the Amsterdam dunes and recovered, with some supply from the Bethunepolder seepage water. The reported hardness is 139.2 mg/L CaCO₃ across 2 supply zones, with values from 123.2 to 153.5 mg/L depending on the street. Kettles, shower heads and washing machine heating elements scale up noticeably, so regular descaling is worthwhile.
Dutch suppliers report °dH; most networks are softened centrally to 5.6–8.4 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 7.8 °dH |
|---|---|
| Calcium (mg/L) | 44.05 |
| Magnesium (mg/L) | 6.83 |
| Utility | Waternet |
How Amsterdam compares
- Tap water in Amsterdam is close to the median of the 654 cities we track in the Netherlands (7.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 221 of 654 in the Netherlands (1 = hardest); 62 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Noord-Holland it is number 1 of 5 cities; the regional median is 7.8 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Almere Duin, 17 km away (5 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Beusichem, 55 km away (12.4 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the Netherlands →
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 Amsterdam
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| 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 Amsterdam water hard or soft?
It is hard: 139 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.1 gpg, 7.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Amsterdam safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Dutch suppliers report °dH; most networks are softened centrally to 5.6–8.4 °dH.
How many grains per gallon is Amsterdam water?
8.1 gpg, equal to 7.8 °dH, 13.9 °fH or 139 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Amsterdam?
For 139 mg/L (7.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Amsterdam?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Waternet, drinkwater Leiduin wettelijk 2025 jaaroverzicht (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Waternet, drinkwater Leiduin wettelijk 2025 jaaroverzicht · Outdated figure? Tell us