Water hardness in Itabashi
59 mg/L soft
Tap water in Itabashi is soft: 59 mg/L (3.5 gpg · 3.3 °dH · 5.9 °fH).
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Waterworks Bureau (東京都水道局), tap-water quality results FY2025 (2025) · data checked 2026-10-21
Range across supply zones: 54–62 mg/L.
Itabashi Ward is supplied by the Tokyo Metropolitan Waterworks Bureau, which draws about 80% of its water resources from the Tone and Arakawa river systems and about 20% from the Tama River system. The reported figure is 59.2 mg/L CaCO₃ (range 54.4 to 62.4 mg/L, 2025 data). Moderately soft water leaves visible deposits on kettles and taps over time, which regular descaling keeps in check.
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 | 59 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Tokyo Metropolitan Waterworks Bureau (東京都水道局) |
How Itabashi compares
- Tap water in Itabashi is 18 % harder than the median of the 228 cities we track in Japan (50 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 83 of 228 in Japan (1 = hardest); 64 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Tokyo it is number 33 of 53 cities; the regional median is 62 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Akiruno, 44 km away (42 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Musashino, 15 km away (82 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 Itabashi
| 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 Itabashi water hard or soft?
It is soft: 59 mg/L as CaCO₃ (3.5 gpg, 3.3 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Itabashi 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 Itabashi water?
3.5 gpg, equal to 3.3 °dH, 5.9 °fH or 59 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Itabashi?
For 59 mg/L (3.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Itabashi?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Waterworks Bureau (東京都水道局), tap-water quality results FY2025 (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Tokyo Metropolitan Waterworks Bureau (東京都水道局), tap-water quality results FY2025 · Outdated figure? Tell us