Water hardness in Essen (Anvers): 23°fH, quality index 7/10. Official Belgian data.
✓ Compliant with sanitary standardsEssen has soft water (23°fH). Low limescale risk: descale appliances every 3 to 4 months as a precaution.
Belgian tap water is subject to European Directive 2020/2184. The sanitary compliance indicator shows whether the latest official analyses found any non-conformities on parameters such as bacteriology, nitrates, pesticides or heavy metals.
The TH (Total Hardness) measures calcium and magnesium content. Below 15°fH: very soft. From 15 to 25: soft. From 25 to 32: moderately hard. From 32 to 42: hard. Above 42: very hard. Essen's water is soft at 23°fH.
Maintenance budget: ~£64/year
For 2 persons, water at 23°f deposits around 1.1 kg of limescale per year in your appliances. Estimated cost in descalers, salt and filters.
Calcium: ~37 mg per litre
Your water provides 37 mg of calcium/L, which is 4% of the recommended daily intake.
Filter jug: cartridge every 5 months
At 23°f, replace the cartridge every 5 months. An under-sink filter lasts 6 to 12 months.
The tap water hardness in Essen is 23°fH, corresponding to soft water. In comparison, the Belgian national average is 30°fH and the Anvers provincial average is 22°fH.
Yes. The water in Essen is sanitary compliant (European Directive 2020/2184). The hardness of 23°fH affects taste and appliance maintenance, not safety. Belgian tap water is subject to strict regular monitoring by De Watergroep / VMM (Flanders).
At 23°fH, a water softener is optional in Essen. Regular descaling (every 1 to 3 months depending on appliance) and a pitcher filter are sufficient to limit limescale buildup.
A hardness of 23°fH corresponds to approximately 37 mg of calcium per litre, or 4% of the recommended daily intake. This calcium is not dangerous; hard water can even contribute to your daily calcium intake.
Water in Essen is distributed by De Watergroep / VMM (Flanders). Data source: SWDE/VMM/VIVAQUA 2024.
Data: SWDE (Wallonia), De Watergroep / VMM (Flanders), VIVAQUA (Brussels) (2024).