Water hardness in Heemstede
7.8 °dH hard
Tap water in Heemstede is hard: 7.8 °dH (139 mg/L · 8.1 gpg · 13.9 °fH).
Source: Waternet, tap water hardness page (7.8 °dH, 1.40 mmol/L) (2015) · data checked 2026-11-05
This figure is over 3 years old; hardness may have changed.
Waternet supplies Heemstede, and 139.2 mg/L CaCO₃ (7.8 °dH, 1.40 mmol/L) is Waternet's area-wide figure rather than a measurement for this town alone. The value reflects the 2015 softening and is reported with no separate supply zones. 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 |
|---|---|
| Utility | Waternet |
How Heemstede compares
- Tap water in Heemstede 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: Loenen aan de Vecht, 31 km away (6.2 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Werkendam, 63 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 Heemstede
| 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 Heemstede 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 Heemstede 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 Heemstede 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 Heemstede?
For 139 mg/L (7.8 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Heemstede?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Waternet, tap water hardness page (7.8 °dH, 1.40 mmol/L) (2015). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Waternet, tap water hardness page (7.8 °dH, 1.40 mmol/L) · Outdated figure? Tell us