Nelson Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
~0–99 mg/L
Softestimated · not lab-verified
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.2
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
82.2 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 Nelson, your appliances are currently losing 7% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Nelson | 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 Nelson compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Clark° | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Nelson, North West | ≈ 0–99 mg/L | 3.5° | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Brierfield, North West | ≈ 0–100 mg/L | 4.6° | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Colne, North West | ≈ 150–200 mg/L | 6.2° | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Burnley, North West | ≈ 200–300 mg/L | 12.8° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Barnoldswick, North West | ≈ 0–100 mg/L | 10.6° | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Nelson compares to the United Kingdom average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Nelson | ≈ 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 Nelson's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Unfortunately, current, official water quality data for Nelson, North West, UK, is not readily available. The regional water company serving Nelson is United Utilities. To get specific details on water hardness, the exact sources, and comprehensive quality reports, your best bet is to check the United Utilities website for their Water Quality Reports or Consumer Confidence Reports. You can also try contacting their customer service directly or look up compliance data on the UK Drinking Water Inspectorate website. Without verified official information, providing precise hardness levels, geological background, or source classifications for Nelson isn't possible.
Nelson's water originates from United Utilities' supply network, drawing from Pendle Hill and East Lancashire Pennine reservoirs, including Coldwell Reservoir, and the Colne valley catchment. This mixed water source primarily consists of runoff from the moorland areas.
Because the water comes from these upland reservoirs, it's exceptionally soft. This means you'll likely notice less limescale buildup in your appliances and on fixtures. Soap and detergents will lather up more easily, meaning you might need to use less product. If you're used to harder water, the difference might be quite noticeable in how your skin feels after showering.
Geology & Source: Carboniferous gritstone moorland runoff; very soft water
Other North West Water Reports
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