Water hardness in Kurume
45 mg/L soft
Tap water in Kurume is soft: 45 mg/L (2.6 gpg · 2.5 °dH · 4.5 °fH).
Source: Kurume City tap-water quality results 2025-08 to 2026-07 (BODIK open data, CC BY) (2026) · data checked 2026-10-21
Range across supply zones: 34–56 mg/L.
Kurume's tap water is supplied by Kurume City Waterworks; the intake mix is not confirmed here, but piped water in Fukuoka Prefecture comes mainly from rivers and reservoirs fed by short, steep catchments. Hardness is reported at 45.0 mg/L CaCO₃, ranging from 34.0 to 56.0 mg/L (2026 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 | 45 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Kurume City Waterworks |
How Kurume compares
- Tap water in Kurume is 10 % softer than the median of the 228 cities we track in Japan (50 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 136 of 228 in Japan (1 = hardest); 40 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Fukuoka it is number 1 of 3 cities; the regional median is 45 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Saga, 22 km away (33 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Kumamoto, 59 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 Kurume
| 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 Kurume water hard or soft?
It is soft: 45 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.6 gpg, 2.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Kurume 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 Kurume water?
2.6 gpg, equal to 2.5 °dH, 4.5 °fH or 45 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Kurume?
For 45 mg/L (2.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Kurume?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Kurume City tap-water quality results 2025-08 to 2026-07 (BODIK open data, CC BY) (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Kurume City tap-water quality results 2025-08 to 2026-07 (BODIK open data, CC BY) · Outdated figure? Tell us