Water hardness in Nijmegen
8.5 °dH hard
Tap water in Nijmegen is hard: 8.5 °dH (153 mg/L · 8.9 gpg · 15.3 °fH).
Source: Vitens, waterhardheid per postcode (2026-10) (2026-10) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 105–155 mg/L.
Vitens supplies this area mainly from groundwater, and the river-clay lowlands along the Rhine and Waal are generally more calcareous than the sandy ridges to the north. The reported hardness is 152.6 mg/L CaCO₃, with values from 105.3 to 155.3 mg/L depending on the street. 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 | 8.5 °dH |
|---|
How Nijmegen compares
- Tap water in Nijmegen is 14 % harder than the median of the 654 cities we track in the Netherlands (7.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 91 of 654 in the Netherlands (1 = hardest); 86 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Gelderland it is number 16 of 184 cities; the regional median is 6.7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Groesbeek, 9 km away (6.1 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Tiel, 29 km away (11 °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 Nijmegen
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °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 Nijmegen water hard or soft?
It is hard: 153 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.9 gpg, 8.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Nijmegen 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 Nijmegen water?
8.9 gpg, equal to 8.5 °dH, 15.3 °fH or 153 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Nijmegen?
For 153 mg/L (8.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Nijmegen?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
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