Water hardness in Emmen
8 °dH hard
Tap water in Emmen is hard: 8 °dH (143 mg/L · 8.3 gpg · 14.3 °fH).
Source: WMD Drinkwater, waterhardheid (2026) · data checked 2026-10-29
WMD Drinkwater reports 142.8 mg/L CaCO3 for Emmen, in the hard category. Scale on heating elements and kettles is the practical result, so regular descaling is advisable.
Dutch suppliers report °dH; most networks are softened centrally to 5.6–8.4 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | WMD |
How Emmen compares
- Tap water in Emmen is 6 % harder than the median of the 654 cities we track in the Netherlands (7.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 168 of 654 in the Netherlands (1 = hardest); 71 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Drenthe it is number 1 of 5 cities; the regional median is 7.6 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Nijverdal, 55 km away (5.4 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Vriezenveen, 45 km away (10.6 °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 Emmen
| 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 Emmen water hard or soft?
It is hard: 143 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.3 gpg, 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 Emmen 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 Emmen water?
8.3 gpg, equal to 8 °dH, 14.3 °fH or 143 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Emmen?
For 143 mg/L (8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Emmen?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: WMD Drinkwater, waterhardheid (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. WMD Drinkwater, waterhardheid · Outdated figure? Tell us