Our expert team has been helping homes and businesses in hard water areas across the UK since 1980. As a world-leading manufacturer of high-quality residential and commercial water treatment products, we help you understand the difference between hard water vs soft water and find the right solution for your needs.
Hard water map
How hard is the
water in my area?
Hard water is common in many areas of the UK, but water hardness levels can vary depending on your exact location. Use our postcode checker below to find out if your water is hard or soft.
Hard water is common in many areas of the UK, but water hardness levels can vary depending on your exact location. Use our postcode checker below to find out if your water is hard or soft.
Check your hard water by postcode
Enter your postcode to discover the exact water hardness level in your area and learn more about hard water, including how it can be managed with a Kinetico water softener.
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Milligrams of calcium carbonate in every litre of water
Water hardness zones shown are approximate.
For detailed, location-specific information, please enter your postcode.
Soft Water
Moderately Hard Water
Hard Water
Very Hard Water
Extremely hard water
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Your water quality
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Your result
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Water hardness index
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Milligrams of calcium carbonate in every litre of water
Your results explained
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What is hard water?
Hard water contains high levels calcium and magnesium minerals, and around 6 in 10 homes in the have it. Hard water is created when naturally soft rainwater percolates through sedimentary rocks such as limestone and chalk, absorbing these minerals along the way. The more minerals present in the water, the higher its hardness levels.
If you’d like a more detailed explanation, read our guide.
What is the difference between hard and soft water?
The main difference between hard and soft water is the amount of dissolved minerals they contain, particularly calcium and magnesium. Hard water has a high concentration of these minerals, which can lead to limescale build-up in pipes, appliances and kettles, reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, and everyday wellbeing.
Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which over time can:
- Cause limescale build-up in pipes and appliances
- Shorten the lifespan of household appliances such as dishwashers
- Strip natural oils from the skin and hair causing dryness and irritation
- Increase the need for cleaning products
- Increase energy consumption, reducing sustainability
Soft water contains low levels of minerals, which:
- Causes less or no limescale so appliances last longer
- Protects the skin and hair’s natural oils
- Water tastes better and feels less ‘chalky’
- Protects pipes against damage that can lead to expensive repairs
Which areas of the UK have hard water?
Water hardness in the UK varies depending on the geology of each region. In areas with chalk and limestone, like the South and East, water absorbs more calcium and magnesium minerals, making it harder. In regions with granite or other less soluble rocks, like much of Scotland, Wales and Cornwall, water remains softer.
To discover the hardness of your water, enter your postcode in our hard water checker, which allows you to:
- Identify if your area has hard water by your postcode
- See the levels of minerals in your water supply
- Get reliable guidance on whether a Kinetico water softener is recommended
How to measure water hardness
Water hardness is measured in parts per million (ppm) by the amount of mineral deposits in your water.
These minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, determine whether your water is soft, hard or very hard.
Signs of hard water in your home
If you’re wondering if you have hard water in your area of the UK, some of the signs to look out for include:
- Limescale buildup in kettles, around taps and showerheads
- Early breakdowns in appliances
- Dry skin and hair or eczema
To learn more about the science behind hard water, read our full guide, which explores where hard water comes from and what to do if you live in a hard water area.
Is hard water safe?
Yes, hard water in the UK is safe and does not pose a serious health risk. However, although hard water is safe to drink, it can have negative effects on your home and well-being, including:
- Limescale build-up in kettles, pipes, boilers, and household appliances
- Reduced efficiency and shorter lifespan of appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers
- Soap and shampoo not lathering properly, leading to higher usage of cleaning products
- Dry or irritated-feeling skin and dull or hard-to-manage hair for some people
- White residue or staining on taps, sinks, tiles, and shower screens
- Increased energy usage due to limescale affecting heating systems and boilers
Knowing if your water is hard or soft can help you take the necessary steps to resolve any of the hard water issues above, leading to many benefits for your home and health.
How to deal with hard water
There are several ways to manage hard water in your home, from regularly descaling appliances to more long-term solutions.
Short-term fixes like cleaning and descaling can help, but they require ongoing maintenance. The most effective long-term solution for dealing with hard water is installing a water softener or filter, which removes the minerals that cause hard water.
If you’re unsure whether your water is hard or soft, our hard water by postcode checker can help you understand your area’s water hardness and guide you towards the right solution for your home.
Installing a water softener removes calcium and magnesium from your water supply, preventing limescale, protecting appliances, and reducing cleaning efforts.
At Kinetico, our local experts can provide professional advice, installation, and ongoing support to help you choose the right system for your home.
FAQs: Hard water by postcode
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Need more advice about hard water?
If you have questions about hard water or would like help choosing the right water softener or filter for your home, our team is here to help.