Irlam Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
~200–300 mg/L
Hardestimated · not lab-verified
Source
mixed
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
339.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
£0.57
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 Irlam, your appliances are currently losing 33% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Irlam | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -33% |
| Washing Machine | 8 yrs | 12 yrs | -33% |
| Water Heater | 10 yrs | 15 yrs | -33% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Irlam compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Clark° | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Irlam, North West | ≈ 200–300 mg/L | 17.5° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Urmston, North West | ≈ 0–100 mg/L | 8.9° | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Walkden, North West | ≈ 0–100 mg/L | 8° | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Lymm, North West | ≈ 0–100 mg/L | 10.7° | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Tyldesley, North West | ≈ 150–200 mg/L | 9.4° | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Irlam compares to the United Kingdom average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Irlam | ≈ 200–300 mg/L | 🟠 High |
| United Kingdom National Avg | 177 mg/L | 🟡 Moderate |
| Skipton Top Rated | 7.1 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Irlam's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
The water serving Irlam comes from United Utilities, a dual supply. It's a mix of surface water from Pennine upland reservoirs and groundwater drawn from the Sherwood Sandstone aquifer beneath the Cheshire plain. Both sources are treated at the Salford water treatment works before distribution to homes and businesses.
The geology behind this supply is primarily Permo-Triassic sedimentary rocks, including the significant Sherwood Sandstone formation. This sandstone aquifer contributes minerals to the water. The combination of upland surface water and this mineral-rich groundwater results in water that is classified as moderately hard, registering around 11.3 degrees Clark.
Homeowners in Irlam may notice this moderate hardness in how soap lathers and the potential for limescale buildup over time, particularly in appliances like kettles and water heaters. While not excessively hard, regular descaling of heating elements can help maintain efficiency. Using slightly more soap or detergent than you might in a soft water area is often necessary. For those sensitive to scale or seeking to prolong appliance life, a water softener is a worthwhile consideration.
Geology & Source: Permo-Triassic Sherwood Sandstone aquifer; sandstone bedrock and sedimentary rocks produce moderately hard water
Other North West Water Reports
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