Water hardness

DE3 Derby

Near or below the UK average. Limescale builds slowly.

At 179 ppm, Derby ranks near the UK's softest water areas — compare it against the hardest areas.

Moderately Hard 179 ppm East Midlands Severn Trent Water
Your reading
179
parts per million
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very hard
0100200300400+

What this means for your home

Based on 179 ppm in Derby (moderately hard water).

  • Noticeable limescale buildup in kettles and boilers
  • Soap may not lather as easily
  • Showerhead may need descaling periodically
  • Slight film on glassware after washing
Heat loss
4%
Light scaling
Softener salt
£10–18
per year
Worth it?
No
at 179 ppm
Suggested for moderately hard water
Filter jug (optional)
Mainly a taste preference, limescale won't be a real issue here.
From £20
Maintenance habits
Routine descaling once or twice a year is plenty.
Free
Softening

Should you soften the water in Derby?

A verdict and running-cost estimate based on DE3's 179 ppm reading, for a typical 4-person household.

Softener optional

Water is soft to moderate, so limescale and soap costs are low and a softener rarely pays back.

Recommended size
24k
grain capacity, regenerates ~every 15 days
Salt running cost
£10–18
per year (~37 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 179 ppm: slight: minor descaling extends kettle/boiler life. Sized for a 4-person home; regenerates roughly every 15 days (estimate). Figures are conservative estimates and vary with household size and usage.

Water quality details

Hardness data for DE3

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

Hardness measurements

Parts per million (ppm CaCO₃)179
Degrees Clark (°Clark)12.5
Degrees French (°fH)17.9
Degrees German (°dH)10
Calcium (mg/L Ca²⁺)72

Supplier and area

Water supplier Severn Trent Water
Region East Midlands
County Derbyshire
Hardness band Moderately 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 Derby

DE4
Matlock
180ppm
Moderately Hard
DE5
Ripley
181ppm
Hard
FAQ

Common questions about DE3

What is the water hardness in DE3 Derby?
The water in DE3 Derby has a hardness level of 179 ppm (parts per million) calcium carbonate, classified as moderately hard. This is 28 ppm below the UK national average of 207 ppm.
Which water company supplies DE3?
DE3 Derby is supplied by Severn Trent Water. Severn Trent Water serves the East Midlands region.
Is the water in DE3 safe to drink?
Yes. Moderately Hard water at 179 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 DE3?
At 179 ppm, the water in DE3 is moderately hard and unlikely to cause significant issues. A jug filter can improve taste, but a water softener is generally not necessary.
What does 179 ppm water hardness mean?
179 ppm means there are 179 parts per million of calcium carbonate dissolved in the water. This is equivalent to 12.5 Clark degrees, 10 German degrees, or 17.9 French degrees. Water above 180 ppm is generally considered hard.
What size water softener do I need in DE3?
For a typical 4-person home at 179 ppm, a 24,000 grain softener is a sensible size. It would regenerate roughly every 15 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 DE3?
At 179 ppm, expect to use about 37 kg of salt a year, costing roughly £10–£18/year. Water is soft to moderate, so limescale and soap costs are low and a softener rarely pays back.

Check another postcode

Compare hardness across areas before moving or buying a softener.