UK region

Water hardness in North West

Average 90 ppm across 270 postcode districts, classified as slightly hard.

  • Range 34 to 244 ppm
  • Counties 5
  • Suppliers Severn Trent Water, United Utilities
Regional average
90
ppm CaCO₃
Slightly Hard
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very hard
0100200300400+
90
Avg ppm
34
Min ppm
244
Max ppm
270
Postcodes

North West water hardness at a glance

  1. North West water is slightly hard, averaging 90 ppm across 270 postcode districts.
  2. That is 117 ppm below the UK average of 207 ppm.
  3. Districts range from 34 ppm to 244 ppm; the hardest county is Cumbria (205 ppm) and the softest is Cheshire (71 ppm).
  4. Suppliers: Severn Trent Water, United Utilities.
  5. Limescale builds slowly at this level, so a softener is not usually needed.

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Water Hardness Across North West

The average water hardness in the North West region is 90 ppm, classified as slightly hard. Across 270 postcode districts, hardness ranges from 34 ppm to 244 ppm.

Is the water in North West hard or soft? It is slightly hard, with readings from 34 to 244 ppm. United Utilities supplies most postcodes in North West; cross-check against United Utilities' own water hardness data.

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

Hardness varies notably within North West: Cumbria has the hardest water in the region at 205 ppm, while Cheshire is the softest at 71 ppm. The region spans 14 towns and 270 postcode districts in total.

At 90 ppm, North West ranks as slightly hard water nationally. Compare it against the 50 softest water areas in the UK.

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

By county

Counties in North West

Sorted by hardness: see how your county compares.

County Hardness PPM Level Postcodes
Cumbria
205
205 ppm Hard 28
Lancashire
87
87 ppm Slightly Hard 55
Greater Manchester
77
77 ppm Slightly Hard 76
Merseyside
73
73 ppm Slightly Hard 40
Cheshire
71
71 ppm Slightly Hard 71
Suppliers

Water Companies in North West

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

Severn Trent Water

222 ppm Hard

United Utilities

77 ppm Slightly Hard

Hard Water Guides

Learn more about water hardness and how to manage it.

What Is Water Hardness? Hard Water Effects Solutions

Test Your Water in North West

At 90 ppm on average, your water is slightly hard. A home testing kit lets you verify the exact hardness for your postcode and check for other contaminants.

TESPERT 16-in-1 Water Testing Kit

Home water test strips that check hardness, pH, chlorine, lead, and 12 other parameters. Results in around 60 seconds. 125 strips per pack.

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FAQ

Common questions about North West water

Is North West's water hard or soft?
North West is classified as slightly hard water, averaging 90 ppm across 270 postcode districts. Limescale build-up is minimal at this level, though individual postcodes vary.
Is tap water in North West 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 North West slightly hard?
Water hardness in North West 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 North West?
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 North West?
The average water hardness across North West is 90 ppm (parts per million), classified as slightly hard. It ranges from 34 ppm to 244 ppm across 270 postcode districts.
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