Water hardness in Qishan
293 mg/L very hard
Tap water in Qishan is very hard: 293 mg/L (17.1 gpg · 16.4 °dH · 29.3 °fH).
Source: Taiwan Water Corporation open data (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Qishan is reported by Taiwan Water Corporation at 293.0 mg/L CaCO₃ in 2026 (customer tap water). Kaohsiung draws on Gaoping River water, local reservoirs such as Fengshan, and groundwater. At this level scale builds up quickly in kettles, heaters and shower heads, so a softener or scale protection is worth considering.
Taiwan Water Corporation reports total hardness in mg/L CaCO₃; the drinking-water standard is 300 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 293 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Taiwan Water Corporation |
How Qishan compares
- Tap water in Qishan is 133 % harder than the median of the 265 cities we track in Taiwan (126 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 1 of 265 in Taiwan (1 = hardest); 100 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Kaohsiung it is number 1 of 21 cities; the regional median is 202 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Tianliao, 10 km away (210 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Taiwan →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Qishan
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H04 |
| Miele | 16 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S2 |
| LG | H3 |
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 Qishan water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 293 mg/L as CaCO₃ (17.1 gpg, 16.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Qishan 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 Qishan water?
17.1 gpg, equal to 16.4 °dH, 29.3 °fH or 293 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Qishan?
For 293 mg/L (16.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Qishan?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Taiwan Water Corporation open data (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Taiwan Water Corporation open data · Outdated figure? Tell us