Hard water

Tower Bridge over the River Thames in London under a bright blue sky with white clouds

Why is London water so hard?

Part of our hard water guide You moved to London and the kettle furred up within weeks. Where does all that chalk come from? You can check your own tap...

Why is London water so hard?

Part of our hard water guide You moved to London and the kettle furred up within weeks. Where does all that chalk come from? You can check your own tap...

Clear blue water seen from just below the surface, with soft sunlight ripples over a pale sandy bottom

How can you soften hard water at home?

Few methods really lower hardness. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) names ion-exchange softeners, which swap calcium and magnesium for sodium, and says boiling removes temporary hardness as scale. It says...

How can you soften hard water at home?

Few methods really lower hardness. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) names ion-exchange softeners, which swap calcium and magnesium for sodium, and says boiling removes temporary hardness as scale. It says...

Glass electric kettle of boiling water beside a mug and tea bag against a bright white background

What is limescale, and what causes it?

Limescale is the hard, chalky deposit, mainly calcium carbonate, left when hard water is heated or dries. The Drinking Water Inspectorate says water at 200 mg/l or more, measured as...

What is limescale, and what causes it?

Limescale is the hard, chalky deposit, mainly calcium carbonate, left when hard water is heated or dries. The Drinking Water Inspectorate says water at 200 mg/l or more, measured as...

A clear glass of water on a light wooden table with a softly blurred outdoor background

Is hard water bad for you?

No official body we read says drinking it is. UK regulations set no standard for hardness, and the WHO calls it not a health concern at the levels found in...

Is hard water bad for you?

No official body we read says drinking it is. UK regulations set no standard for hardness, and the WHO calls it not a health concern at the levels found in...

White ceramic jug on a stone counter in a bright kitchen with a softly blurred window behind

How much does a water softener cost, and is it ...

Which? says to expect to spend around £300 to £1,500 on a water softener, plus salt at £20 to £30 for a 25 kg bag. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI)...

How much does a water softener cost, and is it ...

Which? says to expect to spend around £300 to £1,500 on a water softener, plus salt at £20 to £30 for a 25 kg bag. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI)...

Clear water being poured into a glass against a bright blue background

Is limescale bad for you?

The UK sets no legal standard for hardness, calcium or magnesium, and the WHO says hardness is not a health concern at the levels found in drinking water. Scotland's regulator...

Is limescale bad for you?

The UK sets no legal standard for hardness, calcium or magnesium, and the WHO says hardness is not a health concern at the levels found in drinking water. Scotland's regulator...