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Hard and Soft Water in England and Wales
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The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) regulates public water supplies
in England and Wales. |
What causes hard water ?
Water
that is hard contains calcium and magnesium compounds. Rain water
is naturally soft - it does not contain any minerals, but as it
seeps through the ground it can pick up minerals, such as calcium
and magnesium compounds, from the soil and rocks it passes through.
If rain water passes through soft rocks like chalk or limestone,
it picks up these minerals. If it passes through hard rocks, such
as granite or through peaty soils, it does not pick up these minerals
and so remains soft.
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What are the problems with hard water?
Hard water causes pipes to fur up and scale to collect
in kettles and in electric irons and washing machines. If the scale
collects on heating elements it shortens their life and makes appliances
less efficient. It is also more difficult to work up a lather from
soap, washing up liquid and washing powders. It can also cause "tide
marks" on basins, sinks, baths and toilets.
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Is there a standard for the hardness of drinking
water ?
There is no maximum value for total hardness
of water supplies. There are maximum values for two substances, calcium
and magnesium, which cause hard water. In England and Wales all water
supplies meet the value for calcium and six supplies exceed marginally
the value for magnesium, but as there is no risk to health, a relaxation
of the magnesium value has been granted by the Inspectorate for these
supplies. Where water companies soften water before they put it into
supply, there is a minimum value for total hardness which all the
softened supplies meet.
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Should I use a water softener ?
This is a matter of personal choice. A softener will improve the efficiency and increase the life of appliances using hot water. It will make lathering easier and reduce tide marks on sanitary ware. Some people with skin conditions, such as eczema, have fewer problems if they use soft water for washing. But if you do install a water softener you should make sure that you have a supply of unsoftened water for drinking and cooking.
This is because:
there is evidence of less heart disease in hard water areas than in soft water areas, although not all studies find this link. If something in hard water protects against heart disease, water softeners might remove this protection along with the hardness
many water softeners work by replacing the hardness with sodium. Too much sodium can be a problem for premature babies because their kidneys are not good at filtering it out of the blood, and for people who are on a low sodium (low salt) diet
soft water may release lead from any lead pipes downstream from the softener
a softener which has not been properly looked after may release germs into the water.
If you do decide to have a water softener we advise that you buy it from a reputable supplier, for example, one which is a member of British Water, and have it installed by a qualified plumber who is a member of a recognised Trade Association, such as the Institute of Plumbing. We also advise that you maintain it in accordance with the supplier's instructions.
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Magnetic and Electrical conditioning devices
Some of these devices have been shown to be effective in reducing
the amount of fur or scale that actually sticks to pipes or heating
elements. They do not soften water. However, not all products on the
market give satisfactory performance. You are advised not to buy one
of these devices unless the supplier will agree to a sale
or return, subject to satisfactory performance.
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The map shows generally hard and soft water areas.
The map is only an indication because even hard water areas
can contain pockets of soft water and vice versa. You can get
detailed information from your water company. Enquiry numbers
are listed under WATER in your telephone directory.
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