Living in the UK- Have you experienced hard water?
- TBA
- Jun 12, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 13
‘Hard water’ contains a large amount of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which form a thin film on the hair, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate, resulting in dry and brittle hair, ultimately leading to hair loss.
And how hard is the water in the UK? Presumably, many people have heard of it. Many international students and workers, upon moving to the UK, are deeply distressed.
Moreover, it’s not just about the water being hard – it also rains for almost 10 months a year!
Why is the water quality in the UK so hard?
1. Chemical makeup of water
The ‘hardness’ of water is determined by the concentration of dissolved magnesium and calcium ions in the water.
In the UK, water sources mainly come from groundwater and rivers, which pass through many geological and soil layers, thus containing higher levels of magnesium and calcium ions, leading to higher water hardness.
2. Geological Conditions
Most parts of the UK are located below limestone formations, which are rich in calcium and magnesium. When water passes through these formations, it dissolves a certain amount of calcium and magnesium, increasing the water hardness.
3. Natural environment
In areas with less rainfall, the concentration of dissolved minerals in the water increases due to evaporation, resulting in increased water hardness.
Therefore, the hardness of water in the UK is mainly due to the high content of magnesium and calcium ions in the water source, as well as the combined effects of geological, soil, and environmental factors.
Let’s take a look at the PPM measurement.
PPM is the unit of water hardness, which refers to the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in the water. 1 ppm represents 1 milligram per litre (mg/L) of calcium carbonate in water, so we can use PPM indicators to measure water hardness:
0 – 50 PPM – Soft water
51 – 100PPM – Moderately soft water
101 – 150PPM – Slightly hard water
151 – 200PPM – Moderately hard water
201 – 275 PPM – Hard water
276 – 350 PPM – Very hard water
England mostly consists of hard water areas, while Scotland has mostly soft water. Compared with the granite areas in the north and west of England, the chalk and limestone areas in the south and east of England release more minerals into the water as it flows. Therefore, the water quality in the south and east of England is much harder than in other parts of the UK.
The town with the hardest water in the UK? Ipswich!
The hardest water in the UK is undoubtedly in Ipswich! This is a town in Suffolk, eastern England. Data from the local water department shows that the calcium carbonate content in the water in this town is the highest in the UK, reaching 423 milligrams per litre!
4. What can you do?
There are a few solutions if you want softer water, whether it’s for washing your hair or for consumption:
Install a filtered shower head to soften hard water
Use a water filter for drinking water
Purchase bottled water for drinking
If you’re living in the UK, there are lots of things you need to take care of – your residence, employment, and importantly, tax! If you need advice on any tax-related issues, contact TB Accountants for professional advice.
