LocalDataPoint

Accrington Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

soft

~0–99 mg/L

Soft

estimated · not lab-verified

Source

mixed

pH Level

7

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.005 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

5 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

£0.11

energy & soap waste

Source: DWI Data Portal · Updated 2026

soft~0–99 mg/LSoft · 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 Accrington, your appliances are currently losing 7% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

ApplianceIn AccringtonSoft Water CityEfficiency Loss
Kettle
7.9 yrs
8.5 yrs-7%
Washing Machine
11.2 yrs
12 yrs-7%
Water Heater
14 yrs
15 yrs-7%

Regional Water Comparison

How Accrington compares to its nearest neighbours

CityHardnessClark°RiskSource
Accrington, North West≈ 0–99 mg/L3.5°🟢 Softmixed
Great Harwood, North West≈ 100–150 mg/L8.6°🟡 Slightly Hardmixed
Haslingden, North West≈ 0–100 mg/L6.1°🟢 Softmixed
Padiham, North West≈ 0–100 mg/L10°🟢 Softmixed
Rawtenstall, North West≈ 100–150 mg/L6.1°🟡 Slightly Hardmixed

National Benchmark

How Accrington compares to the United Kingdom average

BenchmarkHardnessAppliance Risk
Accrington≈ 0–99 mg/L🟢 None
United Kingdom National Avg177 mg/L🟡 Moderate
Skipton Top Rated7.1 mg/L🟢 None

Bring Skipton-quality water to your Accrington home

Shop water softeners on Amazon.co.uk

Shop Now

What Makes Accrington's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: MixedTDS: 5 mg/LpH: 7

United Utilities provides Accrington's water supply, drawing from the Ogden Reservoir and the wider east Lancashire Pennine reservoir system. While specific treatment plant names for the Hyndburn area aren't detailed, the utility serves millions across the North West, managing a vast network of reservoirs and rivers in Lancashire and Cumbria. Residents rely on this extensive infrastructure for a consistent supply, though occasional disruptions, like past water main bursts in Hyndburn, can affect service.

Accrington's location near the Rossendale Fells means its water originates from the soft Pennine Millstone Grit reservoirs found on the east Lancashire moors. This geological makeup, characteristic of the Pennine uplands, results in notably soft water, measured at 6.3° Clark. The geology here doesn't typically contribute significant mineral content, distinguishing it from regions with harder water sources.

Homeowners in Accrington might notice less limescale buildup in appliances like kettles and showerheads due to the soft water. However, even soft water can eventually cause some scale, so regular descaling remains a good practice. While a water softener isn't usually essential for this region, monitoring for any significant buildup in pipes or water heaters is still wise. United Utilities offers local advice for specific concerns regarding water quality and its effects.

Geology & Source: Pennine Millstone Grit; soft water (6.3°Clark)

Other North West Water Reports

Report an Issue

Notice an error or missing data? Help us keep this page accurate. If you spot incorrect water hardness, outdated utility info, or missing details, please let us know.

All reports are reviewed by our team. Thank you for supporting data quality!

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Accrington's water safe to drink?
Yes. Accrington's water meets all DWI drinking water standards. The hardness is ≈ 0–99 mg/L (Soft), which is safe to drink. High hardness affects appliances and taste, but poses no health risk.
Do I need a water softener in Accrington?
Accrington's water is soft at ≈ 0–99 mg/L. A water softener is generally not necessary, though a carbon filter can improve taste and remove any remaining chlorine.
How does Accrington compare to the United Kingdom average?
The United Kingdom national average is 177 mg/L. Accrington (≈ 0–99 mg/L) is 127 mg/L below the national average. The softest major city is Skipton at just 7.1 mg/L.