High Peak Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
13.3°Clark19°fH10.6°dH
Source
mixed
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
534.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
£0.43
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 High Peak, your appliances are currently losing 25% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In High Peak | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -61% |
| Washing Machine | 6.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -45% |
| Water Heater | 8 yrs | 15 yrs | -47% |
Regional Water Comparison
How High Peak compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Clark° | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ High Peak, East Midlands | 189.5 mg/L | 13.3° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Buxton, East Midlands | 202.5 mg/L | 14.2° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Glossop, East Midlands | 164 mg/L | 11.5° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| New Mills, East Midlands | 217 mg/L | 15.2° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Marple, North West | 148.5 mg/L | 10.4° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How High Peak compares to the United Kingdom average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ High Peak | 189.5 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 High Peak's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
High Peak, the Derbyshire district encompassing market towns including Buxton, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Whaley Bridge, and Glossop, is supplied by Severn Trent Water drawing from the Peak District upland reservoir network and supplementary groundwater sources. Supply sources include the Goyt Valley reservoir system (Fernilee and Errwood reservoirs above Whaley Bridge), the Derwent Valley reservoirs (Ladybower, Derwent, and Howden), and groundwater from the Carboniferous Limestone aquifer of the White Peak plateau. The White Peak — the limestone plateau of the southern Peak District — underlies the southern parts of the High Peak district at towns like Buxton and Tideswell, and groundwater from this Carboniferous Dinantian limestone contributes significantly to the supply blend, raising the hardness above the very soft Dark Peak gritstone reservoir baseline.
High Peak's hardness of 189.5 mg/L (13.3°Clark) reflects the dual character of Peak District geology. The Dark Peak (northern Peak District) is underlain by Carboniferous Millstone Grit — coarse, calcium-poor sandstone producing very soft reservoir water in catchments above Ladybower and the Goyt. The White Peak (southern Peak District) is underlain by Carboniferous Limestone — calcium-rich rock producing spring water with high dissolved calcium, exemplified by the mineral springs of Buxton. The supply blend serving High Peak incorporates both source types, and the White Peak limestone groundwater component raises the hardness to a moderately hard level. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) classifies this supply as moderately hard.
Limescale requires regular attention in High Peak homes. At 189.5 mg/L, limescale forms in kettles within three to four weeks and monthly descaling is advisable. Combi-boiler heat exchangers accumulate deposits at a steady rate — annual servicing with a limescale check and an in-line scale inhibitor are recommended. Showerheads and taps develop regular deposits. Washing-up liquid lathers moderately. Maintaining a regular descaling routine and using Calgon monthly in the washing machine is standard limescale management for most High Peak households.
Geology & Source: Supplied by Severn Trent Water from the Peak District upland reservoirs and Carboniferous Limestone catchment drainage — High Peak District's position across the White Peak limestone plateau and Dark Peak gritstone produces moderately hard water at 189.5 mg/L (13.3°Clark).