Water hardness

CR2 South Croydon

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

At 294 ppm, South Croydon sits among the UK's hardest water areas — compare it against the softest areas.

Hard 294 ppm London South East Water
Your reading
294
parts per million
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very hard
0100200300400+

What this means for your home

Based on 294 ppm in South Croydon (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
8%
Moderate scaling
Softener salt
£17–29
per year
Worth it?
Yes
at 294 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 South Croydon?

A verdict and running-cost estimate based on CR2's 294 ppm reading, for a typical 4-person household.

Softener recommended

Water is hard to very hard, so appliance, scale and soap savings typically pay back a softener within a few years.

Recommended size
24k
grain capacity, regenerates ~every 9.1 days
Salt running cost
£17–29
per year (~60 kg salt)
Limescale
8%
est. heater efficiency loss. Moderate scaling
Soap saving
Moderate
Noticeable saving: soaps lather more easily, cutting detergent use.

Appliance impact at 294 ppm: noticeable: boiler/dishwasher life cut without descaling. Sized for a 4-person home; regenerates roughly every 9 days (estimate). Figures are conservative estimates and vary with household size and usage.

Water quality details

Hardness data for CR2

Sourced from South East Water's published water-quality reports and public records.

Hardness measurements

Parts per million (ppm CaCO₃)294
Degrees Clark (°Clark)20.6
Degrees French (°fH)29.4
Degrees German (°dH)16.5
Calcium (mg/L Ca²⁺)118

Supplier and area

Water supplier South East Water
Region London
County Greater London
Hardness band Hard
UK average 207 ppm
Visit South East Water page
Official source
South East Water water-hardness report

Use the hardness checker to find your water hardness level so you can set the correct settings on your dishwasher, coffee maker, and washing machine.

Nearby

Other areas near South Croydon

CR3
Caterham
295ppm
Hard
CR4
Mitcham
296ppm
Hard
FAQ

Common questions about CR2

What is the water hardness in CR2 South Croydon?
The water in CR2 South Croydon has a hardness level of 294 ppm (parts per million) calcium carbonate, classified as hard. This is 87 ppm above the UK national average of 207 ppm.
Which water company supplies CR2?
CR2 South Croydon is supplied by South East Water. South East Water serves the London region.
Is the water in CR2 safe to drink?
Yes. Hard water at 294 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 CR2?
For hard water at 294 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 294 ppm water hardness mean?
294 ppm means there are 294 parts per million of calcium carbonate dissolved in the water. This is equivalent to 20.6 Clark degrees, 16.5 German degrees, or 29.4 French degrees. Water above 180 ppm is generally considered hard.
What size water softener do I need in CR2?
For a typical 4-person home at 294 ppm, a 24,000 grain softener is a sensible size. It would regenerate roughly every 9.1 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 CR2?
At 294 ppm, expect to use about 60 kg of salt a year, costing roughly £17–£29/year. Water is hard to very hard, so appliance, scale and soap savings typically pay back a softener within a few years.

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