March Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Anglian Water Services supplies water to March in Cambridgeshire, East of England. The utility draws primarily from groundwater boreholes tapping chalk aquifers across the region, with key sources located near Cambridge, Norwich, and within the local fenlands. Water undergoes treatment at facilities like the March Water Treatment Works, employing processes such as filtration, chlorination, and fluoridation to ensure it meets stringent standards. This service extends across the vast Anglian region, providing water to more than 6 million residents in East Anglia. The East Anglian watershed, characterized by its chalk aquifers in the Norfolk and Suffolk basins, forms the origin of this supply.

The Cretaceous Chalk Group, a porous limestone formation, serves as the principal aquifer. As rainwater infiltrates this bedrock, it dissolves minerals over long underground flow paths, contributing to the water's characteristically hard profile. This geology is rich in dissolved calcium and magnesium derived from the carbonate bedrock, resulting in a mineralized supply. Unlike regions relying heavily on rivers, March's water is predominantly sourced from these confined groundwater reserves, with minimal surface water influence. The region's geology is the primary driver of its hard to very hard water rating.

Limescale buildup is a significant concern for households in this area, impacting appliances like kettles, boilers, showerheads, and heating systems. This accumulation not only reduces efficiency and hikes energy bills but also shortens the lifespan of these devices. Homeowners can combat scale by regularly descaling with vinegar, fitting scale filters to taps, or using specialized cleaning products. Given the water's hardness, installing a whole-house water softener is strongly recommended to prevent mineral deposits, prolong equipment life, and enhance cleaning effectiveness. The water's typical pH of 7.5-8.0 reflects the alkaline nature of the local geology, and Anglian Water adheres to Drinking Water Inspectorate regulations regarding lead and copper, utilizing corrosion inhibitors as necessary.