Street Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

South West Water serves the town of Street in Somerset, drawing its supply from the expansive moorland reservoirs and rivers within the South West England region. Key sources include the Exe and Tone catchments, with water undergoing treatment at facilities such as Chittering or East Lydeard. This utility manages a vast network, primarily relying on surface water that flows from the upland moors of Exmoor and the Quantocks. The journey from these high-rainfall areas, characterized by peaty, acidic runoff, culminates in the reservoirs before reaching over 4 million customers across both rural and urban landscapes.

The geology beneath Street's water sources features a mix of Devonian slates and Carboniferous limestones in lower elevations, punctuated by granite intrusions. However, the naturally soft water profile is largely a result of the rapid surface flow over impermeable bedrock like schists and grits, combined with the organic-rich soils of the moorlands. This combination significantly limits the dissolution of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, leading to minimal leaching and a low alkalinity, a hallmark of surface-dominated moorland catchments.

Residents in Street will find that this naturally soft water doesn't cause scale buildup in appliances like kettles or boilers, nor does it lead to limescale issues in pipes. You'll likely notice improved efficiency from washing machines and dishwashers, with less soap scum and fewer spots on glassware. Because the water is already so soft, installing a water softener is unnecessary and could even be counterproductive. South West Water consistently meets the stringent standards set by the UK Drinking Water Inspectorate, ensuring the water is safe and pleasant to drink, with typical post-treatment pH levels between 7.5 and 8.5.