Blackwood Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.1°Clark11.6°fH6.5°dH
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
158.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
£0.26
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 Blackwood, your appliances are currently losing 15% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Blackwood | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 7.2 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -15% |
| Washing Machine | 10.2 yrs | 12 yrs | -15% |
| Water Heater | 12.8 yrs | 15 yrs | -15% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Blackwood compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Clark° | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Blackwood, Wales | 116 mg/L | 8.1° | 🟡 Slightly Hard | reservoir |
| Bargoed, Wales | ≈ 100–150 mg/L | 8.1° | 🟡 Slightly Hard | reservoir |
| Gelligaer, Wales | ≈ 0–100 mg/L | 8.3° | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Abercarn, Wales | ≈ 100–150 mg/L | 5.5° | 🟡 Slightly Hard | reservoir |
| Nelson, Wales | ≈ 0–100 mg/L | 4.3° | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Blackwood compares to the United Kingdom average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Blackwood | 116 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| United Kingdom National Avg | 177 mg/L | 🟡 Moderate |
| Skipton Top Rated | 7.1 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Blackwood's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
The drinking water for Blackwood comes from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, a company that supplies nearly 830 million litres of water daily to about 1.4 million households and businesses across Wales and western England. This extensive network includes 61 treatment works and 312 service reservoirs, all managed by Welsh Water. The supply for Blackwood, located in Caerphilly County Borough, is drawn from a mix of sources. These include surface water from rivers like the Ebbw and Sirhowy, as well as groundwater drawn from local aquifers.
Blackwood is situated within the South Wales Coalfield, an area geologically defined by Carboniferous-age Millstone Grit and Coal Measures formations. The underlying geology is characterized by hard Carboniferous sandstones and shales. This type of bedrock is known to yield water that is moderately mineralized. While specific hardness figures for Blackwood weren't readily available, customers in similar South Wales coalfield areas typically receive water with this moderate mineral content.
Homeowners in Blackwood might notice some scale buildup on appliances like kettles and shower heads. Heating systems could also benefit from periodic descaling to manage mineral accumulation. Although specific hardness data is unavailable, Welsh Water offers a postcode checker tool online where residents can find detailed water quality information, including hardness levels, for their specific area. Regular maintenance and descaling products can help manage the effects of moderately mineralized water on pipes and appliances.
Geology & Source: Carboniferous Millstone Grit and Coal Measures; sandstones and shales produce moderate hardness
Other Wales Water Reports
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