Water hardness in Kampen
6.5 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Kampen is moderately hard: 6.5 °dH (116 mg/L · 6.8 gpg · 11.6 °fH).
Source: Vitens, waterhardheid per postcode (2026-10) (2026-10) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 112–118 mg/L.
Vitens supplies this part of eastern Netherlands mainly from groundwater, supplemented in places by bank-filtered river water from the IJssel and Vecht. The reported hardness is 116.0 mg/L CaCO₃, with values from 112.4 to 117.8 mg/L depending on the street. Scale shows on kettles and shower screens over time, but regular descaling usually keeps it manageable.
Dutch suppliers report °dH; most networks are softened centrally to 5.6–8.4 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 6.5 °dH |
|---|
How Kampen compares
- Tap water in Kampen is 14 % softer than the median of the 654 cities we track in the Netherlands (7.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 522 of 654 in the Netherlands (1 = hardest); 19 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Overijssel it is number 46 of 58 cities; the regional median is 7.5 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Elburg, 13 km away (3.8 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Blokzijl, 19 km away (8.3 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the Netherlands →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Kampen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 6 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Kampen water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 116 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.8 gpg, 6.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Kampen 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 Kampen water?
6.8 gpg, equal to 6.5 °dH, 11.6 °fH or 116 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Kampen?
For 116 mg/L (6.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Kampen?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
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