Water hardness in Sittard
8.7 °dH hard
Tap water in Sittard is hard: 8.7 °dH (155 mg/L · 9.1 gpg · 15.5 °fH).
Source: WML / Limburgs Drinkwater, gemeentepagina (gemiddelde hardheid) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-29
Range across supply zones: 113–198 mg/L.
WML reports a median of 155.3 mg/L CaCO3 for Sittard, in the hard category, with zones ranging from 112.5 to 198.1 mg/L. The range is wide, so check your postcode before choosing a softener, since the difference between zones is large.
Dutch suppliers report °dH; most networks are softened centrally to 5.6–8.4 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 8.7 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | WML |
How Sittard compares
- Tap water in Sittard is 16 % harder than the median of the 654 cities we track in the Netherlands (7.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 82 of 654 in the Netherlands (1 = hardest); 87 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Limburg it is number 3 of 6 cities; the regional median is 8.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Brunssum, 9 km away (5.6 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Mierlo, 52 km away (11.3 °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 Sittard
| 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 Sittard water hard or soft?
It is hard: 155 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.1 gpg, 8.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Sittard 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 Sittard water?
9.1 gpg, equal to 8.7 °dH, 15.5 °fH or 155 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Sittard?
For 155 mg/L (8.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Sittard?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: WML / Limburgs Drinkwater, gemeentepagina (gemiddelde hardheid) (2026). Method: computed from supplier's calcium and magnesium. WML / Limburgs Drinkwater, gemeentepagina (gemiddelde hardheid) · Outdated figure? Tell us