Water hardness in Xikou
168 mg/L hard
Tap water in Xikou is hard: 168 mg/L (9.8 gpg · 9.4 °dH · 16.8 °fH).
Source: Taiwan Water Corporation open data (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Xikou in Chiayi County has a reported hardness of 168 mg/L as CaCO3 from Taiwan Water Corporation (2026 open data). That is in the hard band. Scale will appear on kettles and glass over time. The data does not state the source water, so this note gives the figure only.
Taiwan Water Corporation reports total hardness in mg/L CaCO₃; the drinking-water standard is 300 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 168 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Taiwan Water Corporation |
How Xikou compares
- Tap water in Xikou is 33 % harder than the median of the 265 cities we track in Taiwan (126 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 77 of 265 in Taiwan (1 = hardest); 70 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Chiayi County it is number 4 of 14 cities; the regional median is 120 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Taibao, 17 km away (120 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Minxiong, 6 km away (219 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 Xikou
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H02 |
| Miele | 9 °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 Xikou water hard or soft?
It is hard: 168 mg/L as CaCO₃ (9.8 gpg, 9.4 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Xikou 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 Xikou water?
9.8 gpg, equal to 9.4 °dH, 16.8 °fH or 168 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Xikou?
For 168 mg/L (9.4 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Xikou?
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