Hard water - is the water with a high mineral content, primarily calcium and magnesium, which can lead to limescale buildup in appliances like kettles, boilers, dishwashers, and washing machines. This reduces their efficiency, shortens their lifespan, and can even clog pipes, causing leaks and lower water pressure. British Water estimates that even a 1mm layer of limescale can increase energy consumption by 7-10%, adding £150-£300 to annual energy bills.
In the UK, London and the South East are particular hotspots for limescale, with levels exceeding 200 parts per million (ppm). In contrast, Scotland, much of Wales, and the North West generally have softer water.
The UK Regions with the Hardest Water are: London and the South East, which are officially the UK’s limescale hotspots, with water hardness levels exceeding 200 parts per million (ppm).
The top 10 UK cities with the hardest water are: Ipswich (378 ppm), Norwich (346 ppm), Sunderland (343 ppm), St. Albans (342 ppm), Bury St. Edmunds, Stevenage, Basildon, Colchester, Reading, Chelmsford. All of these cities have water hardness levels above 300 ppm.
Installing a water softener is the best and most economical solution to eliminate hard water in your home. Water softeners treat hard water using ion exchange, a process where calcium and magnesium ions are replaced with sodium or potassium ions. This exchange occurs when hard water passes through a resin bed inside the softener, and the resin beads attract and hold the hardness minerals while releasing the sodium or potassium into the water. Over time, the resin beads become saturated with hardness minerals, and the softener regenerates, using a salt solution to flush out the trapped minerals and restore the resin beads.
While there's an initial investment, it really pays off in the long run. With a water softener, your appliances will last longer, your water pipes won't get clogged with limescale, and you'll save money by not needing to buy descaling products for laundry or other limescale removal cleaning products.
