Water hardness in Buren
11.8 °dH very hard
Tap water in Buren is very hard: 11.8 °dH (211 mg/L · 12.3 gpg · 21.1 °fH).
Source: Vitens, waterhardheid per postcode (2026-10) (2026-10) · data checked 2026-10-20
Dutch suppliers report °dH; most networks are softened centrally to 5.6–8.4 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 11.8 °dH |
|---|
How Buren compares
- Tap water in Buren is 57 % harder than the median of the 654 cities we track in the Netherlands (7.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 2 of 654 in the Netherlands (1 = hardest); 100 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Gelderland it is number 2 of 184 cities; the regional median is 6.7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Geldermalsen, 5 km away (6.4 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the Netherlands →
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 Buren
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 12 °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 Buren water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 211 mg/L as CaCO₃ (12.3 gpg, 11.8 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Buren 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 Buren water?
12.3 gpg, equal to 11.8 °dH, 21.1 °fH or 211 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Buren?
For 211 mg/L (11.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Buren?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Vitens, waterhardheid per postcode (2026-10) (2026-10). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Vitens, waterhardheid per postcode (2026-10) · Outdated figure? Tell us