The impact of water hardness: what does *De Volkskrant* say?

Hard or soft tap water: what does it mean for your health?

Based on recent research and insights from *De Volkskrant* (28 November 2025).

In the Netherlands, we’re proud of our tap water: it’s clean, reliable and safe. But there is a big difference between hard and soft water — and you don’t just notice this from limescale in your kettle or shower door. More and more people are asking themselves: Does water hardness actually affect my health?

De Volkskrant recently published an in-depth article on this question, written by a science journalist and epidemiologist Erna van Balen. We’ve summarised the key insights and explain what this means for you and your water consumption.

Click here for the article ‘Hard or soft tap water: what does it mean for your health?’

What exactly is hard water?

Hard water contains a relatively high amount of calcium and magnesium. These are natural minerals that end up in the water as groundwater and surface water seep through layers of rock.

In the Netherlands, tap water is, on average, 8 German hardness grades (dH). However, this varies by region:

• Roosendaal: 10.7 dH (hard)

• Hardenberg: 9.4 dH

• ’t Harde: 4 dH (soft)

• Zoetermeer: 7.4 dH (average)

The higher the hardness, the more limescale build-up — and the greater the impact on your appliances, your skin and your comfort.

Would you like to know how hard the water is in your local area? Then click here here.

What does *De Volkskrant* say about health?

1. Limescale isn’t necessarily bad for you

The article emphasises that chalk does not pose a health risk when consumed. Calcium and magnesium are, in fact, beneficial minerals, although you get most of them from your diet.

A glass of tap water contains:

• 10 mg calcium
  By way of comparison: a glass of semi-skimmed milk contains 246 mg calcium.

Drinking water therefore plays only a minor role in your total mineral intake.

2. Hard water can, in fact, affect your skin

Dermatologist Annemie Galimont (Bravis Hospital) explains in *De Volkskrant* that hard water can contribute to skin problems — particularly in people with eczema or sensitive skin.

This is due to:

• Formation of lime soap (a rough film that forms when soap and limescale react).

• Damage to the skin’s natural lipid barrier.

• Soap residue is harder to rinse off.

People often find that their skin feels better and is less itchy when they’re on holiday (where the water can be much softer).

Tips for dealing with hard water:

• Take shorter, cooler showers

• Use less soap, or opt for soap-free cleansers

• Apply a rich cream directly to the skin

3. Is water softening bad for you?

According to an epidemiologist Leo Schouten It used to be thought that water softening might be harmful because it reduces the magnesium content of the water — a mineral that protects against cardiovascular disease.

However, research shows that:

• No clear link between water hardness and cardiovascular disease.

• Only in people who insufficient magnesium in the diet When consumed, magnesium-rich water may offer some additional benefits.

Water companies do therefore carry out water softening, but never too far. They don’t usually go under 5.6 dH, in order to strike the right balance between comfort, affordability and sustainability.

Conclusion

Both hard and soft water are safe to drink. However, softer water offers significant greater comfort, is better for the skin and reduces wear and tear on household appliances.

De Volkskrant confirms what many users have already noticed: softer water feels more pleasant, is gentler on your skin and better for your home. Is this something for you? Then click here here to request a quote

Source:

Volkskrant – “Hard or soft tap water: does it make any difference to your health?”, written by Erna van Balen, published on 28 November 2025. Further information