Water hardness in Niaosong
146 mg/L hard
Tap water in Niaosong is hard: 146 mg/L (8.5 gpg · 8.2 °dH · 14.6 °fH).
Source: Taiwan Water Corporation open data (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Taiwan Water Corporation's 2026 tap-water data put hardness in Niaosong at 146.0 mg/L CaCO₃. Kaohsiung draws on Gaoping River water, local reservoirs such as Fengshan, and groundwater. Water this hard leaves heavy limescale on heating elements and taps and shortens the interval between descaling.
Taiwan Water Corporation reports total hardness in mg/L CaCO₃; the drinking-water standard is 300 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 146 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Taiwan Water Corporation |
How Niaosong compares
- Tap water in Niaosong is 16 % harder than the median of the 265 cities we track in Taiwan (126 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 105 of 265 in Taiwan (1 = hardest); 61 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Kaohsiung it is number 21 of 21 cities; the regional median is 202 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Xinyuan, 17 km away (93 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Fengshan, 4 km away (214 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Taiwan →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Niaosong
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H2 |
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 Niaosong water hard or soft?
It is hard: 146 mg/L as CaCO₃ (8.5 gpg, 8.2 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Niaosong safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Taiwan Water Corporation reports total hardness in mg/L CaCO₃; the drinking-water standard is 300 mg/L.
How many grains per gallon is Niaosong water?
8.5 gpg, equal to 8.2 °dH, 14.6 °fH or 146 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Niaosong?
For 146 mg/L (8.2 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Niaosong?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
Source
Source: Taiwan Water Corporation open data (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Taiwan Water Corporation open data · Outdated figure? Tell us