Water hardness

B50 Alcester

Harder than the UK average. Expect visible limescale on kettles and taps.

At 188 ppm, Alcester sits among the UK's hardest water areas — compare it against the softest areas.

Hard 188 ppm West Midlands Severn Trent Water
Your reading
188
parts per million
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very hard
0100200300400+

What this means for your home

Based on 188 ppm in Alcester (hard water).

  • Significant limescale buildup in kettles, pipes and boilers
  • Soap scum on shower screens and taps
  • Higher energy bills from scale in heating elements
  • Dry skin and dull hair after washing
  • White residue on dishes and glassware
Heat loss
4%
Light scaling
Softener salt
£11–19
per year
Worth it?
Yes
at 188 ppm
Suggested for hard water
Whole-house water softener
Best long-term protection for boilers and pipes.
From £600 installed
Shower head filter
A simple first step for limescale on tiles and glass.
From £25
Filter jug or under-sink
Improves taste and reduces kettle scale.
From £20
Softening

Should you soften the water in Alcester?

A verdict and running-cost estimate based on B50's 188 ppm reading, for a typical 4-person household.

Softener recommended

Hardness is moderate to hard, so a softener cuts scale and soap use and usually pays back over its lifetime.

Recommended size
24k
grain capacity, regenerates ~every 14.2 days
Salt running cost
£11–19
per year (~39 kg salt)
Limescale
4%
est. heater efficiency loss. Light scaling
Soap saving
Low
Some saving: expect to use slightly less soap and detergent.

Appliance impact at 188 ppm: slight: minor descaling extends kettle/boiler life. Sized for a 4-person home; regenerates roughly every 14 days (estimate). Figures are conservative estimates and vary with household size and usage.

Water quality details

Hardness data for B50

Sourced from Severn Trent Water's published water-quality reports and public records.

Hardness measurements

Parts per million (ppm CaCO₃)188
Degrees Clark (°Clark)13.2
Degrees French (°fH)18.8
Degrees German (°dH)10.5
Calcium (mg/L Ca²⁺)75

Supplier and area

Water supplier Severn Trent Water
Region West Midlands
County West Midlands
Hardness band Hard
UK average 207 ppm
Visit Severn Trent Water page
Official source
Severn Trent Water water-hardness report

Enter your postcode and pick a timeframe to see your area's measured water quality including hardness, with a downloadable PDF report.

Nearby

Other areas near Alcester

B49
Alcester
164ppm
Moderately Hard
FAQ

Common questions about B50

What is the water hardness in B50 Alcester?
The water in B50 Alcester has a hardness level of 188 ppm (parts per million) calcium carbonate, classified as hard. This is 19 ppm below the UK national average of 207 ppm.
Which water company supplies B50?
B50 Alcester is supplied by Severn Trent Water. Severn Trent Water serves the West Midlands region.
Is the water in B50 safe to drink?
Yes. Hard water at 188 ppm is safe to drink. Water hardness affects taste and can cause limescale, but it is not a health risk. In fact, hard water contains beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.
How can I reduce water hardness in B50?
For hard water at 188 ppm, a whole-house water softener is the most effective solution. You can also use a jug filter for drinking water, descaling products for appliances, and a shower filter for better skin and hair.
What does 188 ppm water hardness mean?
188 ppm means there are 188 parts per million of calcium carbonate dissolved in the water. This is equivalent to 13.2 Clark degrees, 10.5 German degrees, or 18.8 French degrees. Water above 180 ppm is generally considered hard.
What size water softener do I need in B50?
For a typical 4-person home at 188 ppm, a 24,000 grain softener is a sensible size. It would regenerate roughly every 14.2 days. Larger households or higher daily use need a bigger unit. These figures are conservative estimates.
How much does it cost to run a water softener in B50?
At 188 ppm, expect to use about 39 kg of salt a year, costing roughly £11–£19/year. Hardness is moderate to hard, so a softener cuts scale and soap use and usually pays back over its lifetime.

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