Water hardness

DL17 Ferryhill

Near or below the UK average. Limescale builds slowly.

At 122 ppm, Ferryhill ranks near the UK's softest water areas — compare it against the hardest areas.

Moderately Hard 122 ppm North East Northumbrian Water
Your reading
122
parts per million
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very hard
0100200300400+

What this means for your home

Based on 122 ppm in Ferryhill (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
£7–12
per year
Worth it?
No
at 122 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 Ferryhill?

A verdict and running-cost estimate based on DL17's 122 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 22 days
Salt running cost
£7–12
per year (~25 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 122 ppm: slight: minor descaling extends kettle/boiler life. Sized for a 4-person home; regenerates roughly every 22 days (estimate). Figures are conservative estimates and vary with household size and usage.

Water quality details

Hardness data for DL17

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

Hardness measurements

Parts per million (ppm CaCO₃)122
Degrees Clark (°Clark)8.5
Degrees French (°fH)12.2
Degrees German (°dH)6.8
Calcium (mg/L Ca²⁺)49

Supplier and area

Water supplier Northumbrian Water
Region North East
County County Durham
Hardness band Moderately Hard
UK average 207 ppm
Visit Northumbrian Water page
Official source
Northumbrian Water water-hardness report

This page explains local hardness and links to a postcode water quality checker so you can find your supply zone's level.

Nearby

Other areas near Ferryhill

DL16
Spennymoor
121ppm
Moderately Hard
FAQ

Common questions about DL17

What is the water hardness in DL17 Ferryhill?
The water in DL17 Ferryhill has a hardness level of 122 ppm (parts per million) calcium carbonate, classified as moderately hard. This is 85 ppm below the UK national average of 207 ppm.
Which water company supplies DL17?
DL17 Ferryhill is supplied by Northumbrian Water. Northumbrian Water serves the North East region.
Is the water in DL17 safe to drink?
Yes. Moderately Hard water at 122 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 DL17?
At 122 ppm, the water in DL17 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 122 ppm water hardness mean?
122 ppm means there are 122 parts per million of calcium carbonate dissolved in the water. This is equivalent to 8.5 Clark degrees, 6.8 German degrees, or 12.2 French degrees. Water above 180 ppm is generally considered hard.
What size water softener do I need in DL17?
For a typical 4-person home at 122 ppm, a 24,000 grain softener is a sensible size. It would regenerate roughly every 22 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 DL17?
At 122 ppm, expect to use about 25 kg of salt a year, costing roughly £7–£12/year. Water is soft to moderate, so limescale and soap costs are low and a softener rarely pays back.

Your Ferryhill water action plan

Enter your email for the short list of things worth doing at 122 ppm, and the upgrades you can safely ignore.

Check another postcode

Compare hardness across areas before moving or buying a softener.