PFASPFAS in tap water
Forever chemicals have demonstrably been found in parts of the Netherlands (RIVM). Not all filters remove them; read which ones do.
Tap water in the Netherlands: Quality, Safety & Water Hardness per City
Is Dutch tap water safe? Yes, but it contains traces of PFAS, microplastics, and lime per region that are not completely removed by standard water purification. On this page, you will find an honest overview of what our drinking water contains, how water hardness differs per city, and when a water filter makes sense.
What's in Dutch tap water?
Dutch tap water meets all standards set by the Drinking Water Act and the European Drinking Water Directive. Nevertheless, research by RIVM (2024) shows that tap water can contain traces of substances that are not completely removed by standard water purification:
- PFAS (forever chemicals): detectable in parts of the Netherlands, particularly near industry (RIVM: PFAS in drinking water). Read more about which water filter removes PFAS.
- Microplastics: particles smaller than 5 mm that are not fully retained by current purification (RIVM research on microplastics).
- Nitrate: particularly in agricultural areas in Brabant and Gelderland (RIVM drinking water quality).
- Chlorine (chloramine): added as a disinfectant, affects the taste.
- Limescale (calcium carbonate): varies greatly by region, no health risk but causes limescale build-up and a change in taste.
The concentrations of these substances are legally below the permitted standards. Even so, more and more households choose an additional water filter for extra assurance and a better taste.
Water hardness per city in the Netherlands
How hard is the tap water in your municipality? Most Dutch cities have soft to moderately hard water (5–10 °dH). Data comes from official drinking water companies: Waternet, Vitens, Brabant Water, WML, Dunea and Evides.
Soft water
Randstad
6–9 °dH · low scale
- Amsterdam7.8 °dH
- Rotterdam5–9 °dH
- The Hague5–9 °dH
- Haarlem6–10 °dH
- Almereapprox. 4–5 °dH
Soft to moderate
Central & Eastern Netherlands
6–9 °dH · slight limescale
- Utrecht6–8 °dH
- Groningen7.7 °dH
- Arnhem6.2 °dH
- Nijmegen7–9 °dH
- Enschede8.5 °dH
Predominantly mild
Brabant & Limburg
5–11 °dH · predominantly soft water
- Eindhoven5.8–6.4 °dH
- Tilburg7.9 °dH
- Breda7.8–10.7 °dH
- 's-Hertogenbosch7.5–10.5 °dH
- Maastricht7.3–7.8 °dH
Is tap water in the Netherlands safe enough?
Dutch tap water is safe, but that doesn't mean filtering is pointless. Whether you live in an area with hard water, have an old house, or want extra assurance about PFAS and microplastics: there are concrete reasons to choose filtered tap water.
PFAS
HARD WATERHard tap water
Water hardness varies greatly by region (4–13 °dH). In some areas, limescale causes deposits on faucets and appliances. A water filter reduces limescale and immediately improves taste. View the water hardness by municipality.
COMPAREWhich water filter is right for me?
Can, gravity-fed or under-sink system? We compare filtration, price, and convenience to help you choose the best option for your situation.
Filtered tap water directly from your own tap
PureFilter Mineral+ is an under-sink system with five filter layers: pre-filter, two carbon fibre layers, Swedish Mineral Rock™ and a post-filter.
All 40 tested chemicals reduced, from 75% to 99.97%. 83% to 85% less PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS. Measured by an independent lab. Lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium brought below the detection limit. No chlorine taste, no chlorine smell: 99.97% less chlorine. 99% less nitrate and 94% less fluoride.
Swedish Mineral Rock™ adds calcium, magnesium and potassium in the final filter step and gives your water a soft, fresh taste.
What stands out in practice:
- Unlimited filtered water straight from your existing tap
- Compact (10 × 2.5 inches), fits under almost any sink
- You can install it yourself in 10 minutes. Compatible with a Quooker.
- 5-year warranty on the filter housing. Try PureFilter for 40 days at home. Not satisfied, money back.
For whom: households that value taste, less limescale and filtered drinking water as well as safety.
Water hardness per city – complete overview
Official °dH values per municipality based on data from Dutch drinking water companies (Waternet, Vitens, Brabant Water, WML, Dunea, Evides).
| Stad | Regio | Watermaatschappij | Hardheid (°dH) | Categorie | Bron |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | Randstad | Waternet | 7,8 °dH | Zacht | waternet.nl |
| Rotterdam | Randstad | Evides | 5–9 °dH | Zacht | waterhardheid.nl |
| Den Haag | Randstad | Dunea | 5–9 °dH | Zacht | waterhardheid.nl |
| Haarlem | Randstad | PWN | 6–10 °dH | Zacht | waterhardheid.nl |
| Almere | Randstad | Vitens | ca. 4–5 °dH | Zacht | vitens.nl |
| Utrecht | Midden-Nederland | Vitens | 6–8 °dH | Zacht | vitens.nl |
| Arnhem | Midden-Nederland | Vitens | 6,2 °dH | Zacht | vitens.nl |
| Nijmegen | Midden-Nederland | Vitens | 7–9 °dH | Zacht | vitens.nl |
| Enschede | Oost-Nederland | Vitens | 8,5 °dH | Matig | vitens.nl |
| Groningen | Noord-Nederland | Vitens | 7,7 °dH | Zacht | vitens.nl |
| Eindhoven | Brabant | Brabant Water | 5,8–6,4 °dH | Zacht | brabantwater.nl |
| Tilburg | Brabant | Brabant Water | 7,9 °dH | Zacht | brabantwater.nl |
| Breda | Brabant | Brabant Water | 7,8–10,7 °dH | Matig | brabantwater.nl |
| 's-Hertogenbosch | Brabant | Brabant Water | 7,5–10,5 °dH | Matig | brabantwater.nl |
| Maastricht | Limburg | WML | 7,3–7,8 °dH | Zacht | waterhardheid.nl |
Hardheid uitgedrukt in Duitse graden (°dH). Zacht = 0–8,4 °dH · Matig hard = 8,4–14 °dH · Hard = >14 °dH. Bronnen: Waternet, Vitens, Brabant Water, waterhardheid.nl.
Frequently asked questions about tap water in the Netherlands
Is tap water in the Netherlands safe to drink?
Yes, Dutch tap water meets all European standards and is continuously monitored by water companies for more than 50 parameters. Traces of PFAS and microplastics are detectable but well below legal limits. Tourists, expats and babies can safely drink tap water in most regions. Source: RIVM drinking water quality.
How hard is the tap water in my city?
Water hardness varies by municipality. In the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague), the water is soft: 6–9 °dH. In Utrecht, Arnhem, and Groningen, it's also soft to moderately hard: 6–9 °dH. In Noord-Brabant and Limburg, it's predominantly soft: 5–11 °dH. See the regional breakdown above or consult the official water hardness list per municipality or the website of your water company (Waternet, Vitens, Brabant Water) for exact values.
Is Amsterdam tap water safe to drink for tourists?
Yes, Amsterdam tap water is completely safe and is considered one of the best-tasting in Europe. It is soft (7.8 °dH, source: Waternet), low in chlorine, and has a clean, neutral taste. There is no need to buy bottled water in Amsterdam. Waternet sources from Lake IJssel and the dunes and filters extensively.
Are there microplastics in Dutch tap water?
Yes, RIVM research (2022–2024) has shown that traces of microplastics are detectable in Dutch tap water. The concentrations are below European alert levels, and long-term consequences are still being investigated. Those who wish to avoid microplastics can opt for a water filter that traps particles smaller than 0.5 micrometres.
Is hard tap water unhealthy?
No, hard water does not pose a health risk. Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals that are good for bones and the heart. This is also confirmed by the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. In practice, however, hard water does cause nuisance: limescale on taps, kettles and coffee machines, shorter lifespan of appliances, and a less fresh taste of tea and coffee.
Can babies drink tap water?
In most regions, Dutch tap water is safe to dilute for babies. In nitrate-rich areas (parts of Brabant and Gelderland), extra caution is advised; see the RIVM guidelines for drinking water quality. Always consult your general practitioner or midwife. For the PureFilter Mineral+, 99% less nitrate and 94% less fluoride was measured.
Is filtered tap water better than bottled water?
In most cases, yes. Filtered tap water has a lower ecological footprint (no plastic bottles), is cheaper on an annual basis, and with a good filter, tastes just as fresh or better than bottled water. Moreover, bottled water itself often contains traces of microplastics from the plastic packaging.
What is the difference between tap water and drinking water?
In the Netherlands, tap water and drinking water are the same: water that is purified by a water company and supplied to households via the pipeline network. Both terms are used interchangeably. The difference with spring water or mineral water lies in the source and the purification process. More information: Vewin (Drinking Water Companies Association).
