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Blackwood Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

116mg/L
Slightly Hard

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

116mg/L as CaCO₃Slightly Hard

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.

ApplianceIn BlackwoodSoft Water CityEfficiency 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

CityHardnessClark°RiskSource
Blackwood, Wales116 mg/L8.1°🟡 Slightly Hardreservoir
Bargoed, Wales≈ 100–150 mg/L8.1°🟡 Slightly Hardreservoir
Gelligaer, Wales≈ 0–100 mg/L8.3°🟢 Softreservoir
Abercarn, Wales≈ 100–150 mg/L5.5°🟡 Slightly Hardreservoir
Nelson, Wales≈ 0–100 mg/L4.3°🟢 Softreservoir

National Benchmark

How Blackwood compares to the United Kingdom average

BenchmarkHardnessAppliance Risk
Blackwood116 mg/L🟡 Low
United Kingdom National Avg177 mg/L🟡 Moderate
Skipton Top Rated7.1 mg/L🟢 None

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What Makes Blackwood's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: ReservoirTDS: 158.1 mg/LpH: 7.3

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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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blackwood's water safe to drink?
Yes. Blackwood's water meets all DWI drinking water standards. The hardness is 116 mg/L (Slightly Hard), which is safe to drink. High hardness affects appliances and taste, but poses no health risk.
Do I need a water softener in Blackwood?
Blackwood's water is slightly hard at 116 mg/L. A water softener is generally not necessary, though a carbon filter can improve taste and remove any remaining chlorine.
How does Blackwood compare to the United Kingdom average?
The United Kingdom national average is 177 mg/L. Blackwood (116 mg/L) is 61 mg/L below the national average. The softest major city is Skipton at just 7.1 mg/L.