Forfar Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Scottish Water supplies Forfar, a town in the Angus council area, with water drawn primarily from surface reservoirs like Loch of the Lowes and Backwater Reservoir located in the Angus Glens. This supply is augmented by groundwater from boreholes in the region. Treatment for the approximately 15,000 residents of Forfar and nearby communities is handled at facilities such as the Forfar Water Treatment Works. The catchment area for this supply is characterized by upland glens within the Grampian foothills, featuring peaty moorlands and forested hills that feed the reservoirs.

Geologically, Forfar sits within the Midland Valley, with bedrock predominantly composed of Devonian Old Red Sandstone. This ancient sandstone, formed from river and lake sediments, lacks significant deposits of calcareous rocks like limestone or chalk, which are common in other parts of the UK. The terrain is also influenced by granite, and the water flows through acidic soils. These factors contribute to minimal dissolution of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, resulting in the naturally very soft water profile typical of this region.

Because the water is naturally very soft, homeowners in Forfar won't encounter issues with limescale buildup in appliances like kettles, boilers, or within their plumbing systems, which helps to reduce maintenance requirements. You'll find that soap lathers easily, and there's no unsightly scum on hot beverages. Installing a water softener isn't recommended, as it could potentially strip away the already low mineral content. While iron staining from the peaty sources can occasionally occur, treatment processes effectively manage this. Scottish Water ensures all supplies meet stringent quality standards, with Forfar's water consistently showing excellent results.