Boston Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Boston, the south Lincolnshire market town and port on the River Witham at the Wash, is supplied by Anglian Water from the River Witham catchment and the Lincolnshire Limestone aquifer system. The River Witham rises near Grantham on the Jurassic Lincolnshire Limestone escarpment — the Lincolnshire Oolite (Lincolnshire Limestone), a productive Jurassic oolitic limestone aquifer — and flows south-east across the Lincolnshire fens to Boston. The Witham carries moderate dissolved calcium from the Jurassic limestone uplands of the Lincoln Edge. Anglian Water draws from the Witham catchment and from licensed boreholes in the Lincolnshire Limestone, treating and distributing to Boston and the south Lincolnshire fenland area.

Boston's hardness of 182 mg/L (12.8°Clark) reflects the Lincolnshire Limestone and Witham catchment chemistry — the Jurassic oolitic limestone of the Lincoln Edge contributing moderate dissolved calcium to the Anglian Water supply blend. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) classifies this supply as moderately hard.

Limescale is a regular household concern in Boston. At 182 mg/L, limescale forms in kettles within three to four weeks and monthly descaling is sensible. Combi-boiler heat exchangers accumulate deposits at a moderate rate; annual servicing is recommended. Showerheads and taps develop consistent deposits. Washing-up liquid lathers moderately. Using Calgon monthly in the washing machine and a regular descaling routine is appropriate limescale management for Boston households on the Lincolnshire limestone supply.