Lichfield Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Lichfield, the cathedral city in south Staffordshire on the edge of the Trent valley between Birmingham and Tamworth, is supplied by Severn Trent Water from the River Tame catchment and the Triassic Sherwood Sandstone aquifer of south Staffordshire. The Tame drains the southern Birmingham conurbation and south Staffordshire coalfield fringes, carrying moderate dissolved calcium from the Triassic Mercia Mudstone and sandstone country of the Trent vale. Severn Trent also draws from the Triassic Sherwood Sandstone aquifer beneath the south Staffordshire and Lichfield plain, which contributes moderately mineralised groundwater from the sandstone cement dissolution. The resulting supply is moderately soft, consistent with the south Staffordshire Trent valley supply zone rather than the harder limestone zones further east.

Lichfield's hardness of 119 mg/L (8.3°Clark) reflects the blend of River Tame Triassic catchment and Triassic Sherwood Sandstone groundwater in Severn Trent's south Staffordshire supply zone. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) classifies this supply as moderately soft.

Limescale is a moderate concern in Lichfield. At 119 mg/L, limescale forms gradually — kettles need descaling every one to two months. Combi-boiler heat exchangers accumulate modest deposits; annual servicing is sensible. Showerheads and taps develop light deposits. Washing-up liquid lathers reasonably well. A monthly Calgon tablet in the washing machine and a regular kettle descale is adequate limescale management for most Lichfield households.