Water hardness & scale

The hardness of water depends on the amount of calcium it contains hard water contains higher amounts of calcium. This varies from region to region depending on the amount of minerals which dissolve in the rainwater as it percolates through the ground.

In the South of England the majority of water we supply comes from underground chalk aquifers so the water is hard. This doesn’t affect the quality of the drinking water or the performance of soaps and detergents, although it can lead to the creation of limescale. Limescale is harmless but it is advisable to clean kettles and keep hot water systems below 60°C to reduce the build up of limescale in boilers and hot water pipes.

Some people choose to fit a water softener. These should be fitted to comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 and one tap should still supply unsoftened water for cooking and drinking because softeners can significantly increase the level of sodium in water.