Water hardness in Tiel
11 °dH very hard
Tap water in Tiel is very hard: 11 °dH (196 mg/L · 11.5 gpg · 19.6 °fH).
Source: Vitens, waterhardheid per postcode (2026-10) (2026-10) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 187–212 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 196.3 mg/L CaCO₃, with values from 187.4 to 212.4 mg/L depending on the street. Scale forms quickly on heating elements and fittings, which makes a softener or a strict descaling routine worth considering.
Dutch suppliers report °dH; most networks are softened centrally to 5.6–8.4 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 11 °dH |
|---|
How Tiel compares
- Tap water in Tiel is 46 % harder than the median of the 654 cities we track in the Netherlands (7.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 5 of 654 in the Netherlands (1 = hardest); 99 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Gelderland it is number 3 of 184 cities; the regional median is 6.7 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Dreumel, 4 km away (8 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the Netherlands →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Tiel
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Tiel water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 196 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.5 gpg, 11 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Tiel 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 Tiel water?
11.5 gpg, equal to 11 °dH, 19.6 °fH or 196 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Tiel?
For 196 mg/L (11 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Tiel?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
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