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Ickenham Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

hard

~200–300 mg/L

Hard

estimated · not lab-verified

Source

mixed

pH Level

7.9

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.001 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

340.2 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 Ickenham, your appliances are currently losing 33% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

ApplianceIn IckenhamSoft 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 Ickenham compares to its nearest neighbours

CityHardnessClark°RiskSource
Ickenham, Greater London≈ 200–300 mg/L17.5°🟠 Hardmixed
Ruislip, Greater London≈ 300+ mg/L22.1°🔴 Very Hardmixed
Hillingdon, Greater London≈ 300+ mg/L12.9°🔴 Very Hardmixed
Ruislip Manor, Greater London≈ 300+ mg/L18.1°🔴 Very Hardmixed
South Ruislip, Greater London≈ 300+ mg/L17.3°🔴 Very Hardmixed

National Benchmark

How Ickenham compares to the United Kingdom average

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

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What Makes Ickenham's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: MixedTDS: 340.2 mg/LpH: 7.9

Affinity Water supplies Ickenham with water drawn from Chiltern Chalk boreholes in the Colne Valley chalk belt. This water is then treated at the Iver Water Treatment Works. While the specific utility serving Ickenham is Thames Water, the geological makeup of the region, characterized by chalk and limestone deposits in the South East of England, is the primary driver of water hardness.

The water originates from the Chiltern Chalk formations, a type of bedrock common in the Colne Valley area. This chalk and limestone geology is known for dissolving minerals like calcium and magnesium as water percolates through it. The result is water with a high mineral content, classifying it as very hard.

This very hard water can lead to scale buildup in appliances like kettles and water heaters, potentially shortening their lifespan. You might also notice reduced lathering from soaps and detergents. To combat scale, regular descaling of appliances is recommended. If you find the hardness inconvenient, a water softener can significantly improve your experience with laundry and bathing.

Geology & Source: Chalk; limestone bedrock produces very hard water

Other Greater London Water Reports

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ickenham's water safe to drink?
Yes. Ickenham'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 Ickenham?
At ≈ 200–300 mg/L (Hard), Ickenham'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 Ickenham compare to the United Kingdom average?
The United Kingdom national average is 177 mg/L. Ickenham (≈ 200–300 mg/L) is 73 mg/L above the national average. The softest major city is Skipton at just 7.1 mg/L.