UK region

Water hardness in East Midlands

Average 248 ppm across 106 postcode districts, classified as hard.

  • Range 150 to 385 ppm
  • Counties 5
  • Suppliers Anglian Water, Severn Trent Water
Regional average
248
ppm CaCO₃
Hard
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very hard
0100200300400+
248
Avg ppm
150
Min ppm
385
Max ppm
106
Postcodes

East Midlands water hardness at a glance

  1. East Midlands water is hard, averaging 248 ppm across 106 postcode districts.
  2. That is 41 ppm above the UK average of 207 ppm.
  3. Districts range from 150 ppm to 385 ppm; the hardest county is Lincolnshire (343 ppm) and the softest is Derbyshire (199 ppm).
  4. Suppliers: Anglian Water, Severn Trent Water.
  5. Expect limescale on kettles, taps and showerheads; see the water softener guide.

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Water Hardness Across East Midlands

The average water hardness in the East Midlands region is 248 ppm, classified as hard. Across 106 postcode districts, hardness ranges from 150 ppm to 385 ppm.

Is the water in East Midlands hard or soft? It is hard, with readings from 150 to 385 ppm. Most postcodes here are supplied by Severn Trent Water or Anglian Water; cross-check against Severn Trent Water's own water hardness data or Anglian Water's.

The region is served by Anglian Water, Severn Trent Water. Water hardness varies by county; see the breakdown below or check your specific postcode.

Hardness varies notably within East Midlands: Lincolnshire has the hardest water in the region at 343 ppm, while Derbyshire is the softest at 199 ppm. The region spans 5 towns and 106 postcode districts in total.

At 248 ppm, East Midlands ranks as hard water nationally. Compare it against the 50 hardest water areas in the UK.

Worth reading: our water softener guide covers the best options for East Midlands residents, and our limescale removal guide has quick fixes for kettles and taps.

By county

Counties in East Midlands

Sorted by hardness: see how your county compares.

County Hardness PPM Level Postcodes
Lincolnshire
343
343 ppm Very Hard 13
Northamptonshire
278
278 ppm Hard 19
Nottinghamshire
243
243 ppm Hard 30
Leicestershire
224
224 ppm Hard 21
Derbyshire
199
199 ppm Hard 23
Suppliers

Water Companies in East Midlands

Tap on a company for full coverage area and hardness data.

Anglian Water

321 ppm Very Hard

Severn Trent Water

222 ppm Hard

Hard Water Guides

Learn more about water hardness and how to manage it.

What Is Water Hardness? Hard Water Effects Solutions
Recommended

Products for East Midlands

Top picks for households in hard water areas.

Splendid Twin Tank Water Softener

Twin-tank electric softener sized for 1 to 7 bedroom homes. Removes limescale from pipes, boilers, and appliances and delivers continuous soft water, with metered regeneration to keep salt use low.

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Philips Shower Filter

Instant improvement for skin and hair. Reduces chlorine and limescale at the showerhead, no plumbing needed. A good first step before committing to a full softener.

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FAQ

Common questions about East Midlands water

Is East Midlands's water hard or soft?
East Midlands is classified as hard water, averaging 248 ppm across 106 postcode districts. Expect visible limescale on kettles and taps within weeks at this level.
Is tap water in East Midlands safe to drink?
Hardness is not a safety issue: the World Health Organization sets no health-based limit for water hardness, so hard and soft water are both fine to drink. Drinking water quality is regulated by the Drinking Water Inspectorate in England and Wales and the Drinking Water Quality Regulator in Scotland, and your water company publishes test results for your area.
Why is water in East Midlands hard?
Water hardness in East Midlands depends on the geology: chalk and limestone aquifers dissolve calcium and magnesium into the supply, making it harder. Areas with sandstone or granite tend to be softer.
Does hard water affect boilers in East Midlands?
Over time, limescale acts as an insulator in heat exchangers, reducing efficiency by a few percentage points each year if untreated. A water softener can help protect your boiler.
What's the average water hardness in East Midlands?
The average water hardness across East Midlands is 248 ppm (parts per million), classified as hard. It ranges from 150 ppm to 385 ppm across 106 postcode districts.
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