Water hardness in Shetou
100 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Shetou is moderately hard: 100 mg/L (5.8 gpg · 5.6 °dH · 10 °fH).
Source: Taiwan Water Corporation open data (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Shetou is reported by Taiwan Water Corporation at 100.0 mg/L CaCO₃ in 2026 (customer tap water). Surface water cannot meet demand on the Choshui alluvial fan, so groundwater is an important source here, which tends to carry more dissolved minerals. Limescale shows on kettles, taps and shower glass within weeks, which regular descaling handles; a softener is optional.
Taiwan Water Corporation reports total hardness in mg/L CaCO₃; the drinking-water standard is 300 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 100 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Taiwan Water Corporation |
How Shetou compares
- Tap water in Shetou is 21 % softer than the median of the 265 cities we track in Taiwan (126 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 181 of 265 in Taiwan (1 = hardest); 32 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Changhua County it is number 22 of 23 cities; the regional median is 184 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Ershui, 10 km away (75 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Tianzhong, 4 km away (143 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Taiwan →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Shetou
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 6 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
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 Shetou water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 100 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.8 gpg, 5.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Shetou 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 Shetou water?
5.8 gpg, equal to 5.6 °dH, 10 °fH or 100 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Shetou?
For 100 mg/L (5.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Shetou?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Taiwan Water Corporation open data (2026). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Taiwan Water Corporation open data · Outdated figure? Tell us