Portland 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
428.7 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 Portland, your appliances are currently losing 33% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Portland | 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 Portland compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Clark° | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Portland, South West | ≈ 200–300 mg/L | 17.5° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Weymouth, South West | ≈ 200–300 mg/L | 10.4° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Dorchester, South West | ≈ 200–300 mg/L | 16° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Bridport, South West | ≈ 0–100 mg/L | 9.3° | 🟢 Soft | mixed |
| Blandford Forum, South West | ≈ 300+ mg/L | 13.2° | 🔴 Very Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Portland compares to the United Kingdom average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Portland | ≈ 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 Portland's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Wessex Water supplies Portland residents with water sourced from the Dorset Chalk aquifer and the Sutton Poyntz springs. This mixed supply is treated at the Sutton Poyntz Water Treatment Works, ensuring it meets drinking water standards before reaching homes. The utility serves a significant portion of the south Dorset supply zone, integrating water from these distinct sources into a single distribution system for the area.
The water's characteristics are largely determined by its journey through the Dorset Chalk formations. Chalk, being a form of limestone, readily dissolves minerals like calcium and magnesium as water percolates through it over long periods. This geological interaction is the primary reason why water from this region, particularly from chalk aquifers, is classified as hard, registering at approximately 16.7°Clark.
Homeowners in Portland will likely notice the effects of this hard water on their appliances and plumbing. Scale buildup can occur in kettles, coffee makers, and especially water heaters, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. Soap and detergent won't lather as easily, requiring more product for cleaning tasks. Regular descaling of appliances and considering a water softener can significantly mitigate these issues and improve water quality for daily use.
Geology & Source: Dorset Chalk aquifer; chalk produces hard water
Other South West Water Reports
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