Chard Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Residents of Chard in East Devon, Somerset, receive their water supply from South West Water. Unlike many communities in the region that draw soft surface water from moorland reservoirs such as Wistman's and Avon, Chard's supply comes from groundwater. This water is abstracted from deep boreholes, like the Chard Borehole, and then treated at local facilities, including the Chard Water Treatment Works. These works serve around 13,000 people within South West England, a network that stretches across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset.

The water originates from the East Devon groundwater aquifer, situated within the Lower Lias geological formation. This area is characterized by a Jurassic limestone sequence. This geology is quite different from the broader South West Water region, where peaty watersheds overlaying granite bedrock result in very soft water. The borehole sources in Chard tap into these limestone strata, leading to the natural dissolution of minerals. This process imparts a moderately mineralized profile to the water, giving it a slightly hard character that is generally absent in the upland reservoir supplies.

Homeowners in Chard might notice minor limescale buildup on appliances like kettles and showerheads, and in washing machines. While this scaling is less severe than what's experienced in truly hard water areas, boilers and hot water pipes can still accumulate some scale over time. To manage this, regular descaling with vinegar solutions, monthly cleaning of taps, and the use of rinse aids in dishwashers are effective strategies. Installing a water softener is an option but not considered essential for this water quality. South West Water consistently meets UK drinking water standards, and ongoing pipe replacement programs help maintain low levels of lead and copper in the supply.