Long Eaton Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Long Eaton, in south Derbyshire on the River Erewash at its confluence with the Trent, is supplied by Severn Trent Water from the River Trent and Permian Magnesian Limestone groundwater of the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire border. Severn Trent abstracts from the Trent at Sawley and from licensed boreholes in the Magnesian Limestone that underlies the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire coal measures country to the east. The Trent at Long Eaton carries calcium from the Jurassic limestone and Magnesian Limestone catchments of the English Midlands, and the Permian limestone groundwater adds a high-calcium, high-magnesium groundwater component. This is a hard-water supply zone typical of the east Midlands Trent valley.

Long Eaton's hard water — 226 mg/L (15.9°Clark) — reflects the River Trent catchment chemistry and the Permian Magnesian Limestone groundwater of the south Derbyshire supply zone. The Trent at this point drains the Jurassic and Carboniferous limestone catchments of the Midlands, producing consistently hard water, supplemented by limestone borehole groundwater. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) classifies this supply as hard.

Limescale is a persistent household challenge in Long Eaton. At 226 mg/L, limescale forms in kettles within two to three weeks and monthly descaling is advisable. Combi-boiler heat exchangers accumulate deposits steadily — annual boiler servicing and an in-line scale inhibitor are recommended. Showerheads, taps, and shower screens develop regular deposits. Washing-up liquid lathers poorly. Using Calgon monthly in the washing machine and maintaining a regular descaling routine is important limescale management for Long Eaton households.