In many Flemish municipalities, tap water is harder than in the Netherlands, and it often contains a small amount of chlorine. A shower head with a filter breaks that chlorine down. It does not make your water softer.
Hardness in French degrees
In Belgium, water hardness is measured in French degrees (°F). In the Netherlands we use German degrees (°dH). One French degree equals 0.56 German degrees. Farys uses this scale:
| French degrees (°F) | German degrees (°dH) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 7 | 0 – 4 | Very soft |
| 7 – 15 | 4 – 8 | Soft |
| 15 – 30 | 8 – 17 | Medium-hard |
| 30 – 45 | 17 – 25 | Hard |
| Above 45 | Above 25 | Very hard |
How hard is the water in your municipality?
Hardness varies by municipality and by water company. A few examples from Flanders, as the median for 2024:
| Municipality | Water company | Hardness (°F) | Converted (°dH) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geraardsbergen | De Watergroep | 40.3 | 22.6 |
| Ghent | Farys | 30.3 | 17.0 |
| Ypres (Ieper) | De Watergroep | 27.2 | 15.2 |
| Antwerp | water-link | 17.1 | 9.6 |
| Aalst | Farys | 16.8 | 9.4 |
For comparison: Dutch tap water averages around 8 °dH, see water hardness by province. You can find the exact value for your address with your own water company.
Is there chlorine in Belgian tap water?
Often, yes, in small amounts. According to De Watergroep, chlorine dosing is standard in most of its water production centres. The maximum permitted level is 0.25 milligrams per litre. That is safe, but you can sometimes smell it in the shower.
Whether and how much chlorine is in your water depends on your water company. Check its website under water quality. How it works in the Netherlands and other countries is explained in is there chlorine in Dutch tap water?
What a shower filter does and doesn't do in Belgium
- Does: break down free chlorine. Filter layers such as calcium sulphite also do this in warm water, so your shower smells less of chlorine.
- Does: hold back loose particles from the pipes.
- Doesn't: make your water softer. Dissolved limescale simply flows through the filter.
According to Farys, a water softener is not needed in most cases. Pidpa says a softener only makes sense if your water is very hard. Also read how does a shower filter work?
Less limescale in the shower
- Choose a shower head with silicone nozzles. You rub limescale off with your thumb.
- Soak the head in vinegar or citric acid now and then. Read descaling a shower head.
- Squeegee your shower screen dry after showering. See a shower screen without limescale spots.
Ordering Besjaar from Belgium
Besjaar ships from Assen to Belgium. Shipping costs €2.99 and is free from €30. Your parcel usually arrives within 1 to 3 working days.
- Besjaar Shower Head with Filter: €25.99, with an 8-stage filter that includes calcium sulphite.
- Besjaar Shower Head with Hose and Filter: €30.99, so shipped free to Belgium.
- Besjaar Replacement Filters: €9.99 for 2 filters, each lasting 3 to 5 months.
Most shower hoses in Belgium have the same G½″ connection as in the Netherlands.
Frequently asked questions
Is there chlorine in Belgian tap water?
Often, yes, in a small and safe amount. De Watergroep keeps to a maximum of 0.25 milligrams per litre.
How hard is the water in Belgium?
It varies greatly by municipality, from soft to hard. In Antwerp it is medium-hard, in Geraardsbergen it is hard.
Does a shower filter make Belgian water softer?
No. A shower filter breaks down chlorine and holds back particles, but it does not remove dissolved limescale.
Does Besjaar deliver to Belgium?
Yes. Shipping costs €2.99, and it is free from €30.
Besjaar makes shower heads and filters for Dutch bathrooms, from Assen. Better water, every day.