Arnold Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
17.6°Clark25.1°fH14.1°dH
Source
mixed
pH Level
8.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.006 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
748.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
£0.57
energy & soap waste
Source: DWI Data Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Arnold, your appliances are currently losing 33% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Arnold | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 1.5 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -82% |
| Washing Machine | 4.3 yrs | 12 yrs | -64% |
| Water Heater | 5.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -63% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Arnold compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Clark° | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Arnold, East Midlands | 251 mg/L | 17.6° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Nottingham, East Midlands | 140 mg/L | 9.8° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Basford, East Midlands | 204.5 mg/L | 14.3° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| West Bridgford, East Midlands | 149 mg/L | 10.5° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Hucknall, East Midlands | 234.5 mg/L | 16.5° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Arnold compares to the United Kingdom average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Arnold | 251 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| United Kingdom National Avg | 183 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| Livingston Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Arnold's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Arnold, in the Gedling district of Nottinghamshire immediately north-east of Nottingham city, is supplied by Severn Trent Water from the Permian Magnesian Limestone aquifer — the Dolomitic Limestone scarp that rises immediately east of Arnold at Woodthorpe and Mapperley Plains. The Magnesian Limestone (a pale dolomitic limestone of Permian age) forms a prominent north-south ridge east of Nottingham, and Arnold sits directly at the foot of this scarp. Severn Trent draws from licensed boreholes in the Magnesian Limestone at close range to Arnold, accessing very calcium- and magnesium-rich groundwater from the dolomite dissolution. This is one of the most directly Magnesian-Limestone-influenced supply zones in Nottinghamshire, producing very hard water with elevated calcium and magnesium, and the very high TDS of 748.2 mg/L reflects the extensive dolomite dissolution.
Arnold's very hard water — 251 mg/L (17.6°Clark) — reflects the Permian Magnesian Limestone aquifer of the Gedling limestone scarp, producing one of the hardest Severn Trent supply zones in Nottinghamshire. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) classifies this supply as very hard.
Limescale is a very serious household challenge in Arnold. At 251 mg/L, limescale forms in kettles within one to two weeks requiring fortnightly descaling. Combi-boiler heat exchangers face serious limescale risk — annual boiler servicing and a polyphosphate scale inhibitor are essential. Showerheads, taps, and shower screens develop very heavy deposits. Washing-up liquid lathers poorly. Arnold homeowners should strongly consider a whole-house water softener for effective protection against the hard Nottinghamshire Magnesian Limestone supply.
Geology & Source: Supplied by Severn Trent Water from the Permian Magnesian Limestone aquifer of north Nottinghamshire — Arnold's Gedling district position north of Nottingham on the Magnesian Limestone plateau draws on Severn Trent's chalk/limestone borehole supply from the Permian Magnesian Limestone scarp directly east of Arnold, producing very hard water at 251 mg/L (17.6°Clark).