Water hardness in Ibaraki
43 mg/L soft
Tap water in Ibaraki is soft: 43 mg/L (2.5 gpg · 2.4 °dH · 4.3 °fH).
Source: Ibaraki City Waterworks, water quality test results FY2025 (令和7年度 水質検査結果, 給水栓) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-21
Range across supply zones: 36–62 mg/L.
Ibaraki is supplied by its own waterworks, which in Osaka Prefecture typically buy Yodo River water, the outflow of Lake Biwa, from the Osaka Water Supply Authority and sometimes add local wells; the exact mix for Ibaraki is not confirmed here. Hardness is reported at 43.3 mg/L CaCO₃, ranging from 35.5 to 62.4 mg/L (2025 data). Scale builds slowly at this level; a light white film on kettles and taps is possible, and a softener is rarely needed.
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 | 43 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Ibaraki City Waterworks Department (茨木市水道部) |
How Ibaraki compares
- Tap water in Ibaraki is 14 % softer than the median of the 228 cities we track in Japan (50 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 147 of 228 in Japan (1 = hardest); 36 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Osaka it is number 19 of 42 cities; the regional median is 42 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Tondabayashi, 35 km away (17 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Settsu, 5 km away (63 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 Ibaraki
| 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 Ibaraki water hard or soft?
It is soft: 43 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.5 gpg, 2.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Ibaraki 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 Ibaraki water?
2.5 gpg, equal to 2.4 °dH, 4.3 °fH or 43 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Ibaraki?
For 43 mg/L (2.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Ibaraki?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Ibaraki City Waterworks, water quality test results FY2025 (令和7年度 水質検査結果, 給水栓) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Ibaraki City Waterworks, water quality test results FY2025 (令和7年度 水質検査結果, 給水栓) · Outdated figure? Tell us