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Bolsover Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

141mg/L
Hard

9.9°Clark14.1°fH7.9°dH

Source

mixed

pH Level

7.7

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.002 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

342.1 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

£0.32

energy & soap waste

Source: DWI Data Portal · Updated 2026

141mg/L as CaCO₃Hard

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 Bolsover, your appliances are currently losing 19% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

ApplianceIn BolsoverSoft Water CityEfficiency Loss
Kettle
4.9 yrs
8.5 yrs-42%
Washing Machine
8.4 yrs
12 yrs-30%
Water Heater
10 yrs
15 yrs-33%

Regional Water Comparison

How Bolsover compares to its nearest neighbours

CityHardnessClark°RiskSource
Bolsover, East Midlands141 mg/L9.9°🟠 Hardmixed
Staveley, East Midlands128 mg/L9°🟠 Hardmixed
Shirebrook, East Midlands186 mg/L13°🔴 Very Hardmixed
Sutton in Ashfield, East Midlands106.5 mg/L7.5°🟡 Moderately Hardmixed
Beighton, Yorkshire and the Humber178 mg/L12.5°🟠 Hardmixed

National Benchmark

How Bolsover compares to the United Kingdom average

BenchmarkHardnessAppliance Risk
Bolsover141 mg/L🟠 Moderate
United Kingdom National Avg183 mg/L🔴 High
Livingston Top Rated8.5 mg/L🟢 None

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What Makes Bolsover's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: MixedTDS: 342.1 mg/LpH: 7.7

Severn Trent Water supplies Bolsover, the north-east Derbyshire market town — a community with remarkable industrial, mining, and architectural heritage, dominated by the magnificent restored Bolsover Castle on its limestone promontory overlooking the Doe Lea Valley — from Derwent Valley Reservoirs in the Peak District blended with Permian Magnesian Limestone groundwater in the north-east Derbyshire distribution zone, treated at Bamford Water Treatment Works in the Hope Valley. At 141 mg/L (9.9°Clark), Bolsover's water is moderately hard — reflecting a moderate Magnesian Limestone groundwater component mixed into the soft Derwent Valley reservoir baseline in the north Derbyshire distribution supply blend.

Bolsover sits on the Permian Magnesian Limestone (Zechstein) ridge east of the Carboniferous Pennine coalfield — the same geological sequence that gave its name to the Bolsover district limestone belt. Severn Trent Water blends soft Derwent Valley reservoir supply with a proportion of Magnesian Limestone groundwater to supply the north Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire coalfield fringe, producing 141 mg/L with TDS 342.1 mg/L at Bolsover — moderately hard water consistent with the Magnesian Limestone belt communities from Shirebrook through Bolsover to Clowne in the same Severn Trent north Derbyshire distribution zone.

At 141 mg/L, limescale is a consistent household concern in Bolsover. Kettles benefit from descaling every four to six weeks. The combi-boiler should be fitted with a scale inhibitor and serviced annually. Washing-up liquid requires more product per wash. Taps and shower heads develop moderate white limescale deposits within two to three weeks; a monthly wipe with white vinegar or a proprietary descaling product keeps fittings in good condition. The moderately hard Magnesian Limestone supply at Bolsover reflects the same limestone geology that raised the great castle above the valley — calcium-rich water drawn from the same carbonate rock that defines the north Derbyshire plateau.

Geology & Source: Supplied by Severn Trent Water from Derwent Valley Reservoirs blended with Magnesian Limestone groundwater in the north-east Derbyshire supply zone — treated at Bamford Water Treatment Works — produces moderately hard water at 141 mg/L (9.9°Clark).

Other East Midlands Water Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bolsover's water safe to drink?
Yes. Bolsover's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is 141 mg/L (Hard), which is safe to drink. High hardness affects appliances and taste, but poses no health risk.
Do I need a water softener in Bolsover?
At 141 mg/L (Hard), Bolsover's water will cause significant limescale on kettles, washing machines, and water heaters. A water softener or descaler is strongly recommended to extend appliance lifespan and reduce energy bills by up to 19%.
How does Bolsover compare to the United Kingdom average?
The United Kingdom national average is 183 mg/L. Bolsover at 141 mg/L is 42 mg/L below the national average. The softest major city is Livingston at just 8.5 mg/L.