Ideal hardness of water
Water hardness refers to the amount of calcium and magnesium ions present in water. These minerals are not harmful in themselves and even contribute to the taste of the water. However, a high concentration can lead to limescale deposits in appliances such as coffee makers, kettles and washing machines.
The ideal hardness of drinking water is between 4 and 8 °dH (German degrees of hardness). Within this range, the water still contains sufficient minerals for a pleasant taste, but the risk of limescale deposits is relatively small. At this hardness, pipes and appliances are less likely to be affected, while the drinking quality is maintained. Remove PFAS, Mercury, Lead and Chlorine from your tap water with the AzurAqua® Water Pitcher with Filter PRO.
In households where the water is harder than this ideal range, it may be useful to take measures, such as using a water filter or softener, to prevent damage and improve the taste. Choosing filtered water in that case is a smart step towards healthier and more sustainable drinking water use.
Water hardness Netherlands map
The water hardness in the Netherlands varies greatly by region. This has to do with the source from which the drinking water is extracted. In some areas, the water comes from deep ground layers that are rich in lime, which results in hard water. In other areas, water is extracted from surface sources, such as rivers and lakes, which generally yield softer water.
In the north and centre of the Netherlands, the water is generally quite soft, while in parts of the south, such as North Brabant and Limburg, the water is average to hard. In urban areas, where drinking water plants often use surface water, the water is softer than in the countryside where groundwater is the main source.
Understanding your local water hardness can help you make good choices about your home appliances, personal care products and water filters. Those living in a region with hard water will benefit from using a water filter jug.
Hard water Netherlands
Hard water is found in large parts of the Netherlands. Especially in areas where groundwater is extracted from chalky soil layers, the water contains a lot of calcium and magnesium. These minerals can accumulate in pipes, household appliances and even on the skin and hair.
Hard water is often recognizable by limescale on taps, shower heads and in appliances such as coffee makers. In addition, clothing can fade more quickly and the skin feels tight or dry after showering. For many households, these are reasons to consciously think about an alternative way of using water, such as filtering drinking water.
Although hard water is not necessarily unhealthy, it can cause more maintenance and wear and tear on equipment and pipes in the long run. An affordable and practical way to do something about this is to use a good water filter jug that effectively reduces lime and other contaminants.
What is hard water
Hard water is water that contains relatively many dissolved minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. These minerals enter the water when it flows through calcareous rocks, such as chalk or limestone. The more minerals in the water, the “harder” the water is called.
The hardness of water is often expressed in °dH. Water with a value of 0-4 °dH is considered soft, 4-8 °dH medium, and above 8 °dH hard. In households with hard water, limescale deposits form more quickly on surfaces, in appliances, and even in hair and on skin.
Many people find hard water unpleasant to drink or wash with, due to aftertastes or skin irritation. Fortunately, there are effective solutions, such as water filter jugs, that reduce water hardness without the use of large water softening systems.
How hard is my water zip code
Do you want to know how hard the water is at your home? The hardness of tap water varies per region, and even within municipalities there can be differences. By entering your postcode on specialized websites or via the local water company, you will immediately gain insight into the hardness of your tap water.
This information is not only interesting for people who want to prevent limescale, but also for those who are consciously concerned with the quality of drinking water. Those who live in an area with hard water would do well to invest in a solution to improve the water quality.
An easy and accessible way to do this is to get a water filter jug. This gives you direct control over the quality of your drinking water, regardless of what comes out of the tap.
Hard water pH
The pH of water indicates whether it is acidic, neutral or basic. A pH of 7 is neutral. Hard water usually has a pH between 7,5 and 8,5, which means it is slightly basic.
Although this value is not harmful in itself, alkaline water can lead to limescale deposits more quickly when heated. This is noticeable in kettles and coffee makers, for example, where limescale deposits occur more quickly when using hard water with a high pH.
The pH value does not say everything about the quality of water, but in combination with high mineral concentrations the effect on household use and personal care can be significant. With a water filter jug you can not only reduce minerals, but also contribute to a more pleasant taste and balance of the water.
Hard water bad for hair
Many people find that their hair feels duller, stiffer or drier after washing with hard water. The minerals in hard water adhere to the hair and form a kind of film that makes shampoos less effective and conditioners harder to absorb.
In addition, hard water can also dry out the scalp, leading to itching, irritation or even dandruff. Colours fade faster and the hair can feel brittle over time.
For those living in a hard water area who want to protect their hair, a small change like filtering your water can make a big difference. A water filter pitcher helps reduce the amount of lime and other particles that can negatively affect your hair and skin.
Is hard water unhealthy?
Contrary to popular belief, hard water is not unhealthy. The minerals that make it hard – calcium and magnesium – are actually important for the human body. However, drinking hard water can contribute to an increased intake of these substances, which is less desirable in some situations (for example, in the case of kidney problems).
The main disadvantages of hard water are also practical: limescale deposits, a less pleasant taste, and the negative effects on skin and hair. For many people, these are sufficient reasons to filter their tap water at home.
With a water filter jug you have control over what you get. You are less dependent on what enters your home through the pipes and can easily improve your water quality without major installations.
AzurAqua Water Filter Jug – a conscious, sustainable, and affordable choice
Whether you live in a region with hard water or simply want to improve the taste and purity of your tap water: a AzurAqua Waterfilterkan is a smart investment. This filter jug helps improve the taste and odor of drinking water, and can contribute to a lower amount of unwanted substances such as chlorine, microplastics and residual traces of pesticides or medicines.
The benefits speak for themselves:
- You protect your skin and hair against the effects of tap water
- You improve the taste and smell of your drinking water
- You save on plastic bottles and contribute to a better environment
- You have direct control over what you drink, without complicated installations
Please note: the AzurAqua Water Filter Jug is not designed as a water softener and does not remove limescale in the same way as ion exchangers or reverse osmosis systems. For actively reducing limescale in appliances or pipes, other systems such as a water softener are more suitable.
In short: The AzurAqua Water Filter Jug offers an accessible and environmentally friendly way to improve your water quality — a practical solution for anyone who is conscious of what comes out of their tap.
More information: www.azuraqua.com