Aldershot Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Aldershot, the garrison town in the Rushmoor district of north Hampshire on the Hampshire/Surrey border in the Blackwater valley, is supplied by South East Water from the North Downs Chalk Aquifer and Lower Greensand formation of north Hampshire and Surrey. South East Water draws from licensed chalk boreholes in the chalk hills north of Aldershot — the Cretaceous Chalk of the Hampshire/Surrey border country, including the chalk of the Surrey Hills and North Downs extending into north Hampshire — and from the Lower Greensand aquifer of the Blackwater valley area. The chalk of north Hampshire and Surrey here produces moderately hard groundwater from chalk dissolution, with the Aldershot supply zone reflecting a blend of chalk and Lower Greensand resources. South East Water distributes through the north Hampshire supply network.

Aldershot's hard water — 200.5 mg/L (14.1°Clark) — reflects the North Downs Chalk Aquifer and Lower Greensand of the Hampshire/Surrey border chalk supply zone. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) classifies this supply as hard.

Limescale is a persistent household challenge in Aldershot. At 200.5 mg/L, limescale forms in kettles within two to three weeks and monthly descaling is advisable. Combi-boiler heat exchangers accumulate deposits steadily — annual boiler servicing and an in-line scale inhibitor are recommended. Showerheads, taps, and shower screens develop regular deposits. Washing-up liquid lathers poorly. Using Calgon monthly in the washing machine and maintaining a regular descaling routine is important limescale management for Aldershot households.