Reigate Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

SES Water supplies drinking water to Reigate, Surrey, primarily from groundwater abstracted via boreholes within the local Chalk aquifer. Treatment takes place at facilities like the Gatton and Dorking works. This utility serves a broad region encompassing Surrey, Kent, and parts of West Sussex, reaching over 700,000 properties. The water undergoes essential treatments, including filtration, disinfection using chlorination, and pH adjustment, before it's distributed to homes. The watershed itself is situated on the North Downs Dip Slope, where rainfall seeps into the Chalk aquifer, a crucial groundwater source for the area.

The geology here is defined by the Cretaceous Chalk Group, a porous sequence of limestone. Water moves through the fractures and bedding planes within this rock, picking up dissolved minerals. This geological makeup is the reason for the water's hardness. Unlike softer supplies from upland areas that might be diluted by surface runoff, the groundwater in Reigate naturally absorbs significant mineral content from the calcareous bedrock, leading to elevated calcium levels.

Homeowners in Reigate will notice the effects of this hard water, particularly the buildup of limescale in appliances such as kettles, boilers, showerheads, and washing machines. This scale reduces efficiency and can shorten the lifespan of these devices, often appearing as white deposits or causing clogged outlets. Regularly descaling with common household solutions like vinegar or citric acid can help manage these issues. For a more comprehensive solution, many households find that installing a water softener is beneficial, improving how soap lathers, protecting fixtures, and extending the life of major appliances.