Water hardness in Zaoqiao
98 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Zaoqiao is moderately hard: 98 mg/L (5.7 gpg · 5.5 °dH · 9.8 °fH).
Source: Taiwan Water Corporation open data (2026) · data checked 2026-10-20
Zaoqiao in Miaoli County has a reported hardness of 98.1 mg/L as CaCO3 from Taiwan Water Corporation (2026 open data). That is moderate. Scale is possible but mild. The source file does not name the water source, so this note covers the published figure only.
Taiwan Water Corporation reports total hardness in mg/L CaCO₃; the drinking-water standard is 300 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 98 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Taiwan Water Corporation |
How Zaoqiao compares
- Tap water in Zaoqiao is 22 % softer than the median of the 265 cities we track in Taiwan (126 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 183 of 265 in Taiwan (1 = hardest); 30 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Miaoli County it is number 11 of 18 cities; the regional median is 147 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Jianshi, 34 km away (46 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Shitan, 13 km away (172 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 Zaoqiao
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 5 °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 Zaoqiao water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 98 mg/L as CaCO₃ (5.7 gpg, 5.5 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Zaoqiao 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 Zaoqiao water?
5.7 gpg, equal to 5.5 °dH, 9.8 °fH or 98 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Zaoqiao?
For 98 mg/L (5.5 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Zaoqiao?
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