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Fylde Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

153.5mg/L
Hard

10.8°Clark15.4°fH8.6°dH

Source

mixed

pH Level

7.9

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.005 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

442.4 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

£0.35

energy & soap waste

Source: DWI Data Portal · Updated 2026

153.5mg/L as CaCO₃Hard

0–60

mg/L

Soft

61–120

mg/L

Moderately Hard

121–180

mg/L

Hard

180+

mg/L

Very Hard

Appliance Damage Report

In Fylde, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

ApplianceIn FyldeSoft Water CityEfficiency Loss
Kettle
4.5 yrs
8.5 yrs-47%
Washing Machine
7.9 yrs
12 yrs-34%
Water Heater
9.5 yrs
15 yrs-37%

Regional Water Comparison

How Fylde compares to its nearest neighbours

CityHardnessClark°RiskSource
Fylde, North West153.5 mg/L10.8°🟠 Hardmixed
Poulton-le-Fylde, North West81.5 mg/L5.7°🟡 Moderately Hardmixed
Thornton-Cleveleys, North West138.5 mg/L9.7°🟠 Hardmixed
Lytham St Annes, North West76.5 mg/L5.4°🟡 Moderately Hardmixed
Cleveleys, North West79.5 mg/L5.6°🟡 Moderately Hardmixed

National Benchmark

How Fylde compares to the United Kingdom average

BenchmarkHardnessAppliance Risk
Fylde153.5 mg/L🟠 Moderate
United Kingdom National Avg183 mg/L🔴 High
Livingston Top Rated8.5 mg/L🟢 None

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What Makes Fylde's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: MixedTDS: 442.4 mg/LpH: 7.9

Fylde, the coastal borough in west Lancashire encompassing Lytham St Annes and parts of the Fylde plain between Preston and Blackpool, is supplied by United Utilities from the combined Pennine reservoir network and local groundwater from the Fylde Aquifer. United Utilities draws on the Pennine reservoir system — including Stocks Reservoir in the Bowland Fells and the Thirlmere–Manchester aqueduct network — for Lancashire coastal supply. However, the Fylde plain is also underlain by the Permo-Triassic Sherwood Sandstone Aquifer — the productive Fylde Aquifer — a significant regional groundwater source exploited by licensed United Utilities boreholes in the Fylde plain. This sandstone groundwater, with dissolved calcium and sulphate from Triassic formation minerals, raises the hardness above the very soft Pennine reservoir baseline.

Fylde's hardness of 153.5 mg/L (10.8°Clark) reflects the blend of soft Pennine reservoir supply and moderately hard Fylde Aquifer groundwater. The Triassic Sherwood Sandstone beneath the Fylde plain — the same Permo-Triassic formation that outcrops in the Forest of Bowland foothills — yields groundwater with dissolved calcium and moderate sulphate from sandstone cement and Triassic evaporite mineral dissolution. The United Utilities distribution blend serving the Fylde coast mixes this moderately hard groundwater with the soft Pennine reservoir supply, producing a moderately hard result. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) classifies this supply as moderately hard.

Limescale is a moderate household concern in Fylde. At 153.5 mg/L, limescale forms gradually in kettles and descaling every one to two months is typically sufficient. Combi-boiler heat exchangers accumulate modest deposits; annual servicing is sensible. Showerheads and taps develop light to moderate deposits. Washing-up liquid lathers reasonably well. Adding Calgon monthly to the washing machine and a regular kettle descale provides adequate limescale management for most Fylde coast households.

Geology & Source: Supplied by United Utilities from Pennine upland reservoirs blended with the Fylde Aquifer — the Triassic sandstone aquifer beneath the Fylde coast plain — Fylde's west Lancashire position produces moderately hard water at 153.5 mg/L (10.8°Clark).

Other North West Water Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fylde's water safe to drink?
Yes. Fylde's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is 153.5 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 Fylde?
At 153.5 mg/L (Hard), Fylde'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 20%.
How does Fylde compare to the United Kingdom average?
The United Kingdom national average is 183 mg/L. Fylde at 153.5 mg/L is 29 mg/L below the national average. The softest major city is Livingston at just 8.5 mg/L.