Water hardness in Bonghwa
40 mg/L soft
Tap water in Bonghwa is soft: 40 mg/L (2.3 gpg · 2.2 °dH · 4 °fH).
Source: K-water / 경상북도 봉화군 via data.go.kr (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Range across supply zones: 17–99 mg/L.
The municipal treatment plants serving Bonghwa had a 2025 median hardness of 40.0 mg/L CaCO₃, with plants ranging from 17.0 to 98.5 mg/L. The region is mostly in the Nakdong River basin, fed by dams such as Andong, Imha and Hapcheon; this utility's own source is not confirmed here. Soft water leaves little limescale on taps and appliances; detergent doses can usually stay at the low end of the label. The spread between plants is wide, so check which plant serves your street.
Korean waterworks report hardness (경도) in mg/L CaCO₃; the drinking-water standard is 300 mg/L (1,000 mg/L for some sources).
Water data
| Total hardness | 40 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Bonghwa-gun (경상북도 봉화군) |
How Bonghwa compares
- Tap water in Bonghwa is 30 % softer than the median of the 127 cities we track in South Korea (57 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 93 of 127 in South Korea (1 = hardest); 27 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Gyeongsangbuk-do it is number 19 of 20 cities; the regional median is 66 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Yangyang, 133 km away (28 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Yeongju, 12 km away (57 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in South Korea →
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 Bonghwa
| 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 Bonghwa water hard or soft?
It is soft: 40 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.3 gpg, 2.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bonghwa safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Korean waterworks report hardness (경도) in mg/L CaCO₃; the drinking-water standard is 300 mg/L (1,000 mg/L for some sources).
How many grains per gallon is Bonghwa water?
2.3 gpg, equal to 2.2 °dH, 4 °fH or 40 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bonghwa?
For 40 mg/L (2.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Bonghwa?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: K-water / 경상북도 봉화군 via data.go.kr (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. K-water / 경상북도 봉화군 via data.go.kr · Outdated figure? Tell us