Ince-in-Makerfield Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
11.5°Clark16.4°fH9.2°dH
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.9
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
465.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
£0.37
energy & soap waste
Source: DWI Data Portal · Updated 2026
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 Ince-in-Makerfield, your appliances are currently losing 22% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Ince-in-Makerfield | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -51% |
| Washing Machine | 7.5 yrs | 12 yrs | -38% |
| Water Heater | 9 yrs | 15 yrs | -40% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Ince-in-Makerfield compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Clark° | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Ince-in-Makerfield, North West | 164 mg/L | 11.5° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Wigan, North West | 30 mg/L | 2.1° | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Hindley, North West | 56.5 mg/L | 4° | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Abram, North West | 89.5 mg/L | 6.3° | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Golborne, North West | 140 mg/L | 9.8° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Ince-in-Makerfield compares to the United Kingdom average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Ince-in-Makerfield | 164 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| United Kingdom National Avg | 183 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| Livingston Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Ince-in-Makerfield's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
United Utilities supplies Ince-in-Makerfield, the south Wigan township on the edge of Makerfield — a former coal mining community in the Borough of Wigan, part of the ancient Forest of Makerfield that once covered the south Lancashire plain, now a residential area between Wigan and St Helens with a strong rugby league heritage in the Wigan borough tradition — from Llyn Vyrnwy upland reservoir in mid-Wales blended with Permo-Triassic Mercia Mudstone (Keuper Marl) groundwater in the south Wigan distribution zone, treated at Prescot Water Treatment Works near St Helens. At 164 mg/L (11.5°Clark), Ince-in-Makerfield's water is hard — reflecting a significant Triassic groundwater fraction and Carboniferous Coal Measures sulphate contribution in the south Wigan supply blend.
Ince-in-Makerfield lies in the south Wigan Coal Measures plain where United Utilities delivers soft Llyn Vyrnwy Welsh reservoir supply blended with a substantial proportion of Permo-Triassic and Carboniferous Coal Measures groundwater from the south Lancashire plain. The Coal Measures and Triassic blend elevates hardness to 164 mg/L with TDS 465.7 mg/L — hard water with an elevated TDS/hardness ratio (2.84) consistent with sulphate contributions from the south Lancashire Coal Measures mudstone and Triassic Mercia Mudstone beds in the south Wigan supply zone.
At 164 mg/L, limescale is a consistent household challenge in Ince-in-Makerfield. Kettles should be descaled monthly. The combi-boiler benefits from a fitted scale inhibitor and annual professional servicing. Washing-up liquid requires more product per wash. Taps and shower heads develop visible white limescale deposits within one to two weeks; a fortnightly wipe with white vinegar or a proprietary descaling product keeps fittings clean. The moderately hard south Wigan supply at Ince reflects the Coal Measures character of the south Lancashire plain — the same geological strata that once yielded coal now contributes sulphate to the local water supply.
Geology & Source: Supplied by United Utilities from Llyn Vyrnwy reservoir blended with Triassic Mercia Mudstone groundwater in the south Wigan distribution zone — treated at Prescot Water Treatment Works — produces hard water at 164 mg/L (11.5°Clark).