Gloucester Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
~200–300 mg/L
Hardestimated · not lab-verified
Source
mixed
pH Level
8.2
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.001 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
428.2 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
£0.57
energy & soap waste
Source: DWI Data Portal · Updated 2026
0–99
mg/L
Soft
100–149
mg/L
Slightly Hard
150–199
mg/L
Moderately Hard
200–300
mg/L
Hard
300+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Gloucester, your appliances are currently losing 33% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Gloucester | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 5.7 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -33% |
| Washing Machine | 8 yrs | 12 yrs | -33% |
| Water Heater | 10 yrs | 15 yrs | -33% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Gloucester compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Clark° | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Gloucester, South West | ≈ 200–300 mg/L | 17.5° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Churchdown, South West | ≈ 0–100 mg/L | 12.2° | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Stroud, South West | ≈ 0–100 mg/L | 8.8° | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Tewkesbury, South West | ≈ 200–300 mg/L | 16.2° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Cheltenham, South West | ≈ 300+ mg/L | 13.2° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Gloucester compares to the United Kingdom average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Gloucester | ≈ 200–300 mg/L | 🟠 High |
| United Kingdom National Avg | 177 mg/L | 🟡 Moderate |
| Skipton Top Rated | 7.1 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Gloucester's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Severn Trent Water supplies Gloucester with water drawn from a mix of moorland rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater sources. This water is then treated at the Gloucestershire Treatment Works before reaching residents. The utility consistently meets all the stringent standards set by the UK Drinking Water Inspectorate, ensuring the water is safe to drink.
The region's water originates from a watershed characterized by Carboniferous limestone and chalk. As the water flows through these mineral-rich geological layers, it picks up considerable amounts of calcium and magnesium. This natural process, common in areas with carbonate bedrock like the South West, is what gives Gloucester its typically hard water supply.
Homeowners in Gloucester will likely notice limescale forming on appliances like kettles and boilers, as well as on taps and bathroom surfaces. Many find that a water softener helps manage this buildup and can improve the efficiency of appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. Regular testing by Severn Trent Water confirms that all drinking water parameters remain within the required limits, providing peace of mind for consumers.
Geology & Source: Limestone and chalk; Carboniferous limestone bedrock dissolves calcium and magnesium, producing hard water
Other South West Water Reports
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