Water hardness in Zhongliao
195 mg/L very hard
Tap water in Zhongliao is very hard: 195 mg/L (11.4 gpg · 10.9 °dH · 19.5 °fH).
Source: Taiwan Water Corporation open data (2026) · data checked 2026-10-21
Zhongliao in Nantou County is reported at 195 mg/L as CaCO3 by Taiwan Water Corporation, which is very hard. Lugu, also in Nantou, is much softer at 95.9 mg/L, so check the value for your own town. Scale will build up quickly in hot-water equipment.
Taiwan Water Corporation reports total hardness in mg/L CaCO₃; the drinking-water standard is 300 mg/L.
Water data
| Total hardness | 195 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Taiwan Water Corporation |
How Zhongliao compares
- Tap water in Zhongliao is 55 % harder than the median of the 265 cities we track in Taiwan (126 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 42 of 265 in Taiwan (1 = hardest); 84 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nantou County it is number 3 of 12 cities; the regional median is 160 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Caotun, 13 km away (136 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Renai, 42 km away (248 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 Zhongliao
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| 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 Zhongliao water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 195 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.4 gpg, 10.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Zhongliao 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 Zhongliao water?
11.4 gpg, equal to 10.9 °dH, 19.5 °fH or 195 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Zhongliao?
For 195 mg/L (10.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Zhongliao?
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