Gloucester Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
14.1°Clark20.2°fH11.3°dH
Source
mixed
pH Level
8
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
545.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
£0.46
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 Gloucester, your appliances are currently losing 27% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Gloucester | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -65% |
| Washing Machine | 6.1 yrs | 12 yrs | -49% |
| Water Heater | 7.5 yrs | 15 yrs | -50% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Gloucester compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Clark° | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Gloucester, South West | 201.5 mg/L | 14.1° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Churchdown, South West | 174.5 mg/L | 12.2° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Stroud, South West | 125.5 mg/L | 8.8° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Tewkesbury, South West | 231.5 mg/L | 16.2° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
| Cheltenham, South West | 188.5 mg/L | 13.2° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Gloucester compares to the United Kingdom average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Gloucester | 201.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| United Kingdom National Avg | 183 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| Livingston Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Gloucester's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Gloucester's water supply is managed by Severn Trent Water, drawing from the River Severn — England's longest river, which passes through the city on its way to the Severn Estuary. Abstraction from the Severn at and above Gloucester provides the primary supply, supplemented by groundwater from Jurassic limestone and Triassic Sherwood Sandstone aquifers in the Gloucestershire and Worcestershire area. Water is treated at Severn Trent's facilities in the county before distribution to Gloucester and the surrounding area. The Severn at this point carries water from a catchment spanning the Welsh uplands, the Midlands plateau, and the Cotswold limestone country, producing a supply that is harder than purely upland sources but softer than East Anglian chalk supplies.
Gloucester's hardness of 201.5 mg/L (14.1°Clark) reflects the Cotswold Jurassic Limestone influence on the Severn catchment. The River Severn's principal Gloucestershire and Worcestershire tributaries — including the Warwickshire Avon and the Bristol Avon headwaters — drain the Cotswold Hills, which are formed from Jurassic Oolitic Limestone deposited in warm tropical seas approximately 165–180 million years ago. This limestone dissolves moderately in percolating river water, contributing significant calcium carbonate. River Wye transfers from the Forest of Dean also add to the supply. The blend is classified as moderately hard by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
Limescale is a regular household challenge in Gloucester. At 201.5 mg/L, limescale forms in kettles within three to four weeks and monthly descaling is advisable. Combi-boiler heat exchangers accumulate deposits steadily — annual boiler servicing with a limescale check is important, and an in-line scale inhibitor is a sensible precaution. Showerheads, taps, and glass shower screens develop consistent limescale deposits. Washing-up liquid lathers moderately. Using Calgon monthly in the washing machine and maintaining a regular descaling routine is sufficient limescale management for most Gloucester households.
Geology & Source: Supplied by Severn Trent Water from the River Severn and Cotswold limestone catchment — the Severn at Gloucester has traversed the Jurassic limestone of the Cotswolds and Forest of Dean, picking up moderate dissolved calcium to produce moderately hard water at 201.5 mg/L (14.1°Clark).