Water hardness in Odawara
60 mg/L soft
Tap water in Odawara is soft: 60 mg/L (3.5 gpg · 3.3 °dH · 6 °fH).
Source: Odawara City Waterworks and Sewerage Bureau, 令和8年度 配水池 水質検査結果 (Oct 2026) (2026-10) · data checked 2026-11-07
Range across supply zones: 24–70 mg/L.
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 | 60 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | 小田原市上下水道局 Odawara City Waterworks and Sewerage Bureau |
How Odawara compares
- Tap water in Odawara is 19 % harder than the median of the 228 cities we track in Japan (50 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 82 of 228 in Japan (1 = hardest); 64 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Kanagawa it is number 9 of 12 cities; the regional median is 62 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Numazu, 32 km away (38 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Hakone, 14 km away (110 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 Odawara
| 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 Odawara water hard or soft?
It is soft: 60 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 Odawara 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 Odawara water?
3.5 gpg, equal to 3.3 °dH, 6 °fH or 60 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Odawara?
For 60 mg/L (3.3 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Odawara?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Odawara City Waterworks and Sewerage Bureau, 令和8年度 配水池 水質検査結果 (Oct 2026) (2026-10). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Odawara City Waterworks and Sewerage Bureau, 令和8年度 配水池 水質検査結果 (Oct 2026) · Outdated figure? Tell us