London’s hard water could be affecting your appliances, skin, and hair

New data from Ransom Spares, a domestic appliance spare parts supplier, has revealed the areas in the UK with the hardest and softest water. Hard water has a high concentration of naturally occurring minerals, which include calcium and magnesium. This occurs in areas where water passes through chalk or limestone, which is why towns with hard water are often in the same area of the country.

Hardness is measured in parts per million of calcium carbonate, which means how much dissolved chalk is in every litre. The Drinking Water Inspectorate classes anything above 300 ppm as 'very hard', the highest band on the scale.

London has a median water hardness of 266.0 ppm, putting it in the hard category. Hard water is widespread across the Thames Water region, so London households will experience limescale build-up on taps, showerheads, and appliances. Overall, London ranks 23rd for the hardest water in the UK.

Ranking first for the hardest water in the UK is Ipswich at 354.7 ppm, and Norwich is second with 339.1 ppm. Halifax and Falkirk have the softest water at 14.5 ppm and 16.8 ppm, respectively.

How Hard Water Affects Appliances and Daily Life

Charlie Gilbert, Managing Director of Ransom Spares, explains what this means for your home and daily life:

“Hard water in homes can impact everyone's daily life. In terms of appliances, limescale can build up inside and make the appliances overheat. If the heating elements of an appliance, like a kettle, get covered in limescale, the kettle will take longer to heat up the water. In addition to small appliances, large appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher can get a build-up as well.

“One obvious way to tell that you have a limescale build-up is to examine your showerhead. If your showerhead is spraying in different directions or you can see white, crusty flakes on the nozzle, you have a limescale build-up. One simple way to clean your kettle is to fill it with water and white vinegar and set it to boil. White vinegar also works well on the showerhead and should be a staple in the cupboard if your home has hard water.

“In addition to your home, hard water can also affect your hair and skin. The minerals in the water can leave a residue on your hair, which will make it feel dry and difficult to manage. Your skin can feel dry or tight after washing your face or showering. In order to remove mineral build-up from your hair, you can use a clarifying shampoo occasionally. Moisturising your skin after showering will help keep your skin hydrated.”