Whickham Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Northumbrian Water supplies Whickham, a residential suburb on the south bank of the River Tyne in Gateshead, from the North Pennines reservoir system — primarily Derwent Reservoir on the upper River Derwent and Kielder Water on the North Tyne — treated at Horsley Water Treatment Works before distribution across the south Gateshead supply zone. At 81.5 mg/L (5.7°Clark), Whickham's water is soft, reflecting the characteristically soft supply from the North Pennines upland catchments that shapes water quality across Tyneside and Gateshead.

Derwent Reservoir is impounded on the River Derwent draining the North Pennines moorland — a landscape of Millstone Grit, Carboniferous shales, and blanket peat — generating naturally soft, slightly acidic runoff with low calcium content. Kielder Water similarly drains the Border hills of Silurian greywacke and ancient volcanic rocks producing inherently soft water. Together, these upland sources deliver consistently soft water to the Tyne Valley, producing the 81.5 mg/L supply characteristic of the south Tyneside suburbs where minor limestone and Magnesian Limestone groundwater contributions add a small calcium increment to the blend.

At 81.5 mg/L, Whickham's soft water is very comfortable for domestic use. Limescale builds slowly; descaling the kettle every two to three months is typically adequate. The combi-boiler benefits from a standard scale inhibitor as a precaution. Washing-up liquid lathers well with minimal product. Taps and shower heads remain clean for extended periods with only occasional maintenance. A monthly wipe with white vinegar keeps fittings in good condition. Residents with older lead or copper pipework should briefly flush taps before drawing drinking water, as soft water can be mildly corrosive to aged metallic plumbing.