Water hardness in Kerkrade
3.5 °dH moderately hard
Tap water in Kerkrade is moderately hard: 3.5 °dH (63 mg/L · 3.7 gpg · 6.3 °fH).
Source: WML / Limburgs Drinkwater, gemeentepagina (gemiddelde hardheid) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-29
WML reports an average of 62.5 mg/L CaCO3 for Kerkrade, in the moderate category. Scale is lighter here, but kettles and shower screens will still show some deposits over time.
Dutch suppliers report °dH; most networks are softened centrally to 5.6–8.4 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 3.5 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | WML |
How Kerkrade compares
- Tap water in Kerkrade is 53 % softer than the median of the 654 cities we track in the Netherlands (7.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 649 of 654 in the Netherlands (1 = hardest); 1 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Limburg it is number 6 of 6 cities; the regional median is 8.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Brunssum, 11 km away (5.6 °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 Kerkrade
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 4 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Kerkrade water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 63 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.7 gpg, 3.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Kerkrade 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 Kerkrade water?
3.7 gpg, equal to 3.5 °dH, 6.3 °fH or 63 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Kerkrade?
For 63 mg/L (3.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Kerkrade?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: WML / Limburgs Drinkwater, gemeentepagina (gemiddelde hardheid) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. WML / Limburgs Drinkwater, gemeentepagina (gemiddelde hardheid) · Outdated figure? Tell us