Hyde Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
~0–99 mg/L
Softestimated · not lab-verified
Source
mixed
pH Level
7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
14 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
£0.11
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 Hyde, your appliances are currently losing 7% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Hyde | Soft Water City | Efficiency 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 Hyde compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Clark° | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Hyde, North West | ≈ 0–99 mg/L | 3.5° | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Dukinfield, North West | ≈ 0–100 mg/L | 10.5° | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Stalybridge, North West | ≈ 150–200 mg/L | 7.4° | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Denton, North West | ≈ 200–300 mg/L | 12.5° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Ashton-under-Lyne, North West | ≈ 0–100 mg/L | 14° | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Hyde compares to the United Kingdom average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Hyde | ≈ 0–99 mg/L | 🟢 None |
| United Kingdom National Avg | 177 mg/L | 🟡 Moderate |
| Skipton Top Rated | 7.1 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Hyde's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
United Utilities Water plc supplies Hyde, a town in Greater Manchester, North West England. The water originates from upland surface water reservoirs, including Scout Moor, Wrigley Head, and Oldham Reservoirs, all located within the Pennines and drawing from the Rossendale Valley. These reservoirs are fed by peaty streams from the South Pennine Moors. After abstraction, the water undergoes treatment at facilities such as the Oldham WTP or Chell WTP before being distributed to residents. While minor borehole sources from the south might be blended in, the supply is predominantly from these soft upland reservoirs.
The geology beneath the reservoir catchment areas is characterized by the Millstone Grit Group, a sequence of coarse sandstones and shales formed during the Carboniferous period. This bedrock is overlaid by significant layers of peat. Because the rainwater travels a short distance over these relatively inert, silica-rich gritstone formations before reaching the reservoirs, it dissolves very little calcium or magnesium. This geological makeup is the primary reason for the water's very soft profile, with minimal mineral content and low alkalinity, even with some minor blending from Permo-Triassic sandstone aquifers in the south.
Because Hyde receives very soft water, homeowners will notice minimal scale buildup in appliances like kettles, boilers, and on pipes, effectively sparing them from calcification. Soap will lather very efficiently, which means less scum will form in baths and washing machines, and you might find you need less detergent for laundry and dishwashers. Consequently, installing a water softener isn't necessary and isn't recommended. Routine descaling of appliances is also unlikely to be needed. The water's taste is generally good, with a typical pH range of 7.0–8.0, influenced by the peaty moorland sources. United Utilities consistently meets stringent UK drinking water standards, including limits for lead and copper, with no reported issues regarding PFAS.
Geology & Source: Millstone Grit Group sandstones and shales; silica-rich formations yield very soft water
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