Water hardness in Fukuyama
37 mg/L soft
Tap water in Fukuyama is soft: 37 mg/L (2.2 gpg · 2.1 °dH · 3.7 °fH).
Source: Fukuyama City Waterworks and Sewerage Bureau, water quality test report 2025 edition (FY2024 data) (2024) · data checked 2026-10-21
Range across supply zones: 19–61 mg/L.
Fukuyama's tap water is supplied by Fukuyama City Waterworks and Sewerage Bureau; the intake mix is not confirmed here, but piped water in Hiroshima Prefecture comes mainly from rivers and reservoirs fed by short, steep catchments. The utility's 2024 data give 37.0 mg/L CaCO₃ within a range of 19.3 to 61.2 mg/L; the spread is wide, so the value at your tap depends on where in the supply area you live. Limescale is mild here, appearing slowly on kettles and taps, so occasional descaling is enough.
Japanese waterworks report hardness (硬度) in mg/L CaCO₃; the standard is 300 mg/L and the target 10–100 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 37 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Fukuyama City Waterworks and Sewerage Bureau |
How Fukuyama compares
- Tap water in Fukuyama is 26 % softer than the median of the 228 cities we track in Japan (50 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 184 of 228 in Japan (1 = hardest); 19 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Hiroshima it is number 1 of 3 cities; the regional median is 20 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Tadotsu, 42 km away (21 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Kurashiki, 38 km away (55 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Japan →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Fukuyama
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 2 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
From each brand's manual for the model family named in the source; your model may differ, so check its manual. All brands and how to change the setting →
FAQ
Is Fukuyama water hard or soft?
It is soft: 37 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.2 gpg, 2.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Fukuyama safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Japanese waterworks report hardness (硬度) in mg/L CaCO₃; the standard is 300 mg/L and the target 10–100 mg/L.
How many grains per gallon is Fukuyama water?
2.2 gpg, equal to 2.1 °dH, 3.7 °fH or 37 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Fukuyama?
For 37 mg/L (2.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Fukuyama?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Fukuyama City Waterworks and Sewerage Bureau, water quality test report 2025 edition (FY2024 data) (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Fukuyama City Waterworks and Sewerage Bureau, water quality test report 2025 edition (FY2024 data) · Outdated figure? Tell us