Water hardness in Ikeda
55 mg/L soft
Tap water in Ikeda is soft: 55 mg/L (3.2 gpg · 3.1 °dH · 5.5 °fH).
Source: Ikeda City Waterworks (池田市水道), via Osaka Prefecture 「大阪府の水道の現況」 FY2024 water quality tables (2024) · data checked 2026-10-21
Ikeda 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 Ikeda is not confirmed here. The utility publishes one value, 55.0 mg/L CaCO₃ (2024 data). Expect gradual white deposits on kettles, taps and showerheads; descaling now and then with citric acid is usually 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 | 55 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Ikeda City Waterworks (池田市水道) |
How Ikeda compares
- Tap water in Ikeda is 10 % harder than the median of the 228 cities we track in Japan (50 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 105 of 228 in Japan (1 = hardest); 54 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Osaka it is number 9 of 42 cities; the regional median is 42 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Takarazuka, 7 km away (37 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Shimamoto, 22 km away (83 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 Ikeda
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °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 Ikeda water hard or soft?
It is soft: 55 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.2 gpg, 3.1 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Ikeda 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 Ikeda water?
3.2 gpg, equal to 3.1 °dH, 5.5 °fH or 55 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Ikeda?
For 55 mg/L (3.1 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Ikeda?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Ikeda City Waterworks (池田市水道), via Osaka Prefecture 「大阪府の水道の現況」 FY2024 water quality tables (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Ikeda City Waterworks (池田市水道), via Osaka Prefecture 「大阪府の水道の現況」 FY2024 water quality tables · Outdated figure? Tell us