Bridgwater Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.6°Clark12.2°fH6.8°dH
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.5
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
276.7 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
£0.28
energy & soap waste
Source: DWI Data Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Bridgwater, your appliances are currently losing 16% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Bridgwater | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -34% |
| Washing Machine | 9.1 yrs | 12 yrs | -24% |
| Water Heater | 10.7 yrs | 15 yrs | -29% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Bridgwater compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Clark° | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Bridgwater, South West | 122 mg/L | 8.6° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Burnham-on-Sea, South West | 235 mg/L | 16.5° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Taunton, South West | 240 mg/L | 16.8° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Weston-super-Mare, South West | 128 mg/L | 9° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Chard, South West | 192.5 mg/L | 13.5° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Bridgwater compares to the United Kingdom average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Bridgwater | 122 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| United Kingdom National Avg | 183 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| Livingston Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Bridgwater's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Bridgwater, the Somerset market town on the River Parrett in the Somerset Levels, is supplied by Wessex Water from Durleigh Reservoir south-west of Bridgwater and the River Parrett/Tone catchment network. Durleigh Reservoir impounds the Durleigh Brook draining the Quantock Hills — sandstone and shale uplands of Devon and Somerset designation — producing soft upland water. Wessex Water also draws from the Parrett catchment and distributes across the west Somerset supply zone. The Quantock Hills are composed of Devonian sandstone and shale — largely calcium-poor rocks — contributing soft water to the Durleigh supply. Wessex Water treats at Bridgwater-area works and distributes a moderately soft blend to the town.
Bridgwater's hardness of 122 mg/L (8.6°Clark) reflects the blend of soft Quantock Hills upland reservoir supply and the broader Parrett catchment network in the Wessex Water west Somerset distribution zone. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) classifies this supply as moderately soft.
Limescale is a moderate concern in Bridgwater. At 122 mg/L, limescale forms gradually — kettles need descaling every one to two months. Combi-boiler heat exchangers accumulate modest deposits; annual servicing is sensible. Showerheads and taps develop light deposits. Washing-up liquid lathers reasonably well. A monthly Calgon tablet in the washing machine and a regular kettle descale is adequate limescale management for most Bridgwater households on the Wessex Water Somerset supply.
Geology & Source: Supplied by Wessex Water from Durleigh Reservoir and the River Parrett catchment in Somerset — Bridgwater's Somerset Levels position on the Parrett draws on Wessex Water's blended upland reservoir and Somerset levels catchment supply, producing moderately soft water at 122 mg/L (8.6°Clark).