Stevenage Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
~200–300 mg/L
Hardestimated · not lab-verified
Source
mixed
pH Level
8.2
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
433.5 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
£0.57
energy & soap waste
Source: DWI Data Portal · Updated 2026
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 Stevenage, your appliances are currently losing 33% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Stevenage | Soft Water City | Efficiency 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 Stevenage compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Clark° | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Stevenage, East of England | ≈ 200–300 mg/L | 17.5° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Codicote, East of England | ≈ 300+ mg/L | 15° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Letchworth Garden City, East of England | ≈ 300+ mg/L | 17.5° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Baldock, East of England | ≈ 300+ mg/L | 20.1° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Hitchin, East of England | ≈ 300+ mg/L | 12.1° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Stevenage compares to the United Kingdom average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Stevenage | ≈ 200–300 mg/L | 🟠 High |
| United Kingdom National Avg | 177 mg/L | 🟡 Moderate |
| Skipton Top Rated | 7.1 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Stevenage's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Affinity Water supplies Stevenage, though the specific sources and treatment plants remain unconfirmed in the available data. The water is drawn from the Hertfordshire Chalk Aquifer, a significant groundwater system underlying the region. This aquifer is part of the broader Cretaceous Upper Chalk formation, which extends across much of southeastern England, including the Chilterns–Hertfordshire chalk belt. The geological makeup directly influences the water's mineral content.
Stevenage is situated on the chalk dip slope of the Hertfordshire plateau. The underlying geology is dominated by Cretaceous Upper Chalk, a porous and permeable rock layer. This chalk formation is known to yield water that picks up minerals as it filters through the ground. Consequently, the water drawn from the Hertfordshire Chalk Aquifer is characterized as moderately hard, with readings around 14.1°Clark.
While specific data for Stevenage is limited, regional information suggests hard to very hard water, often exceeding 200 mg/L CaCO₃. This level of hardness can lead to scale buildup in appliances like kettles and water heaters, potentially shortening their lifespan and affecting efficiency. You might notice reduced lathering from soaps and detergents. Regular descaling of appliances and pipes can help manage scale. If you find the hardness impacts your daily life, a water softener could be a worthwhile investment.
Geology & Source: Cretaceous Upper Chalk aquifer; chalk produces moderately hard water
Other East of England Water Reports
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