LocalDataPoint

Boughton Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

hard

~200–300 mg/L

Hard

estimated · not lab-verified

Source

mixed

pH Level

8

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.001 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

378.9 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

£0.57

energy & soap waste

Source: DWI Data Portal · Updated 2026

hard~200–300 mg/LHard · est.

0–99

mg/L

Soft

100–149

mg/L

Slightly Hard

150–199

mg/L

Moderately Hard

200–300

mg/L

Hard

300+

mg/L

Very Hard

Appliance Damage Report

In Boughton, your appliances are currently losing 33% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

ApplianceIn BoughtonSoft Water CityEfficiency Loss
Kettle
5.7 yrs
8.5 yrs-33%
Washing Machine
8 yrs
12 yrs-33%
Water Heater
10 yrs
15 yrs-33%

Regional Water Comparison

How Boughton compares to its nearest neighbours

CityHardnessClark°RiskSource
Boughton, East Midlands≈ 200–300 mg/L17.5°🟠 Hardmixed
Retford, East Midlands≈ 150–200 mg/L11.5°🟡 Moderately Hardmixed
Worksop, East Midlands≈ 200–300 mg/L16°🟠 Hardmixed
Newark on Trent, East Midlands≈ 150–200 mg/L8.9°🟡 Moderately Hardmixed
Mansfield Woodhouse, East Midlands≈ 200–300 mg/L13.2°🟠 Hardmixed

National Benchmark

How Boughton compares to the United Kingdom average

BenchmarkHardnessAppliance Risk
Boughton≈ 200–300 mg/L🟠 High
United Kingdom National Avg177 mg/L🟡 Moderate
Skipton Top Rated7.1 mg/L🟢 None

Bring Skipton-quality water to your Boughton home

Shop water softeners on Amazon.co.uk

Shop Now

What Makes Boughton's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: MixedTDS: 378.9 mg/LpH: 8

Boughton, a community in Nottinghamshire, receives its water from Severn Trent Water, a major utility serving the East Midlands. Their supply is a blend, drawing from underground aquifers in Triassic sandstones, as well as surface water from prominent reservoirs like Rutland Water and Derwent Valley. River water from the River Trent and its tributaries also contributes to the mix. Important purification happens at treatment facilities such as Chapel Farm and Attenborough, which then distribute water to residents throughout Nottinghamshire and neighboring counties. Severn Trent provides detailed water quality reports specific to your postcode on their website. The overall water system originates from the Trent watershed, a vast area that includes the upland regions of the Peak District and the plains of the East Midlands.

The region's geology plays a significant role in water character. Productive aquifers are found within Triassic sandstones and Permian limestones, formations belonging to the Mercia Mudstone and Sherwood groups. As rainwater recharges these underground layers, it dissolves minerals like calcium and magnesium, contributing to the water's mineral content. While groundwater from these sources tends to be hard, softer water elements are introduced through surface collection from gritstone moors. This geological interplay consistently results in a water supply that is moderately hard to hard across most of the area served.

Homeowners in areas with moderately hard to hard water often notice limescale buildup, particularly on household appliances like kettles and showerheads. This mineral deposit not only looks unsightly but also reduces the efficiency of heating elements and can lead to higher energy bills. Appliances such as boilers and washing machines are particularly susceptible, as scale accumulation can shorten their operational lifespan and necessitate regular cleaning. Simple maintenance can help, including routine vinegar rinses for appliances and the use of limescale inhibitors. For persistent issues like spotting on glassware or diminished soap lathering, installing a water softener is often recommended to protect your plumbing and improve cleaning effectiveness.

Geology & Source: Mercian geology - Permian and Triassic sandstones (Sherwood Sandstone Group, Magnesian Limestone); groundwater from limestone/dolomite (Carboniferous) yields hard water; surface water (River Trent) can be softer; mixed supply

Other East Midlands Water Reports

Report an Issue

Notice an error or missing data? Help us keep this page accurate. If you spot incorrect water hardness, outdated utility info, or missing details, please let us know.

All reports are reviewed by our team. Thank you for supporting data quality!

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boughton's water safe to drink?
Yes. Boughton's water meets all DWI drinking water standards. The hardness is ≈ 200–300 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 Boughton?
At ≈ 200–300 mg/L (Hard), Boughton'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 33%.
How does Boughton compare to the United Kingdom average?
The United Kingdom national average is 177 mg/L. Boughton (≈ 200–300 mg/L) is 73 mg/L above the national average. The softest major city is Skipton at just 7.1 mg/L.