Rotherham Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
6.7°Clark9.6°fH5.4°dH
Source
mixed
pH Level
7.4
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.002 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
213.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
£0.22
energy & soap waste
Source: DWI Data Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Rotherham, your appliances are currently losing 13% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Rotherham | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -25% |
| Washing Machine | 10 yrs | 12 yrs | -17% |
| Water Heater | 11.8 yrs | 15 yrs | -21% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Rotherham compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Clark° | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Rotherham, Yorkshire and the Humber | 96 mg/L | 6.7° | 🟡 Moderately Hard | mixed |
| Rawmarsh, Yorkshire and the Humber | 123 mg/L | 8.6° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Wath upon Dearne, Yorkshire and the Humber | 135 mg/L | 9.5° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Mexborough, Yorkshire and the Humber | 152 mg/L | 10.7° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
| Bolton upon Dearne, Yorkshire and the Humber | 131 mg/L | 9.2° | 🟠 Hard | mixed |
National Benchmark
How Rotherham compares to the United Kingdom average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Rotherham | 96 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| United Kingdom National Avg | 183 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| Livingston Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Rotherham's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Rotherham, the Metropolitan Borough in South Yorkshire on the River Don, is supplied by Yorkshire Water. Supply is drawn from a blend of Pennine upland reservoir sources — including catchments in the Derwent Valley and the South Pennine reservoir network — and supplementary contributions from the broader Yorkshire Water distribution grid, which in South Yorkshire incorporates water from the Magnesian Limestone belt to the east. Yorkshire Water's treatment and distribution network blends Pennine reservoir supply with demand management from multiple source areas across the county. Water is treated at Yorkshire Water's South Yorkshire facilities before distribution to Rotherham, the Don Valley, and the surrounding Metropolitan Borough.
Rotherham's hardness of 96 mg/L (6.7°Clark) reflects the South Yorkshire supply blend. Pennine reservoir catchments draining over Millstone Grit and Carboniferous shales contribute very soft water, while the distribution network serving south and east Yorkshire incorporates contributions from Permian Magnesian Limestone groundwater in the Dearne and Rother valleys — the limestone belt that runs from Nottinghamshire through South Yorkshire to Tyne and Wear. This limestone influence is moderate in the Rotherham blend, placing the supply at the soft boundary of the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) classification.
Limescale is a moderate concern in Rotherham — more noticeable than in Sheffield (70 mg/L) or Bradford (70 mg/L), which have greater direct Pennine influence. At 96 mg/L, limescale forms slowly in kettles and descaling every two to three months is typically sufficient. Combi-boiler heat exchangers accumulate modest deposits over several years and annual servicing is sensible. Showerheads and taps develop light deposits. Washing-up liquid lathers well at this moderate hardness level. Calgon monthly in the washing machine and occasional kettle descaling with white vinegar provides adequate limescale management for most Rotherham households.
Geology & Source: Supplied by Yorkshire Water from a blend of Pennine moorland reservoirs and Magnesian Limestone catchment contributions — Rotherham's position on the eastern edge of South Yorkshire, where Pennine supplies meet the limestone belt, produces moderately soft water at 96 mg/L (6.7°Clark).