Water hardness in Kagoshima
44 mg/L soft
Tap water in Kagoshima is soft: 44 mg/L (2.5 gpg · 2.4 °dH · 4.3 °fH).
Source: 鹿児島市水道局 Kagoshima City Waterworks Bureau, tap-water quality annual report FY2024 (2024) · data checked 2026-10-21
Range across supply zones: 20–110 mg/L.
Kagoshima's supply mixes river water, spring water and groundwater, much of the groundwater lying in the Shirasu volcanic deposits that blanket the area. Hardness is reported at 43.5 mg/L CaCO₃, ranging from 20.0 to 110.0 mg/L (2024 data); 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 | 44 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Kagoshima City Waterworks Bureau |
How Kagoshima compares
- Tap water in Kagoshima is 13 % softer than the median of the 228 cities we track in Japan (50 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 146 of 228 in Japan (1 = hardest); 36 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Nagasaki, 146 km away (25 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Kumamoto, 138 km away (70 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 Kagoshima
| 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 Kagoshima water hard or soft?
It is soft: 44 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 Kagoshima 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 Kagoshima water?
2.5 gpg, equal to 2.4 °dH, 4.3 °fH or 44 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Kagoshima?
For 44 mg/L (2.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Kagoshima?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: 鹿児島市水道局 Kagoshima City Waterworks Bureau, tap-water quality annual report FY2024 (2024). Method: figure published by the water supplier. 鹿児島市水道局 Kagoshima City Waterworks Bureau, tap-water quality annual report FY2024 · Outdated figure? Tell us