Water hardness

EN5 Barnet

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

At 342 ppm, Barnet sits among the UK's hardest water areas — compare it against the softest areas.

Very Hard 342 ppm London Affinity Water
Your reading
342
parts per million
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very hard
0100200300400+

What this means for your home

Based on 342 ppm in Barnet (very hard water).

  • Heavy limescale requiring frequent descaling
  • Blocked showerheads and reduced water flow
  • Substantially higher energy bills from boiler scale
  • Dry, itchy skin and lifeless hair
  • White crusty deposits on taps and surfaces
  • Reduced lifespan of washing machines and dishwashers
Heat loss
12%
Heavy scaling
Softener salt
£20–34
per year
Worth it?
Yes
at 342 ppm
Suggested for very 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 Barnet?

A verdict and running-cost estimate based on EN5's 342 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 7.8 days
Salt running cost
£20–34
per year (~70 kg salt)
Limescale
12%
est. heater efficiency loss. Heavy scaling
Soap saving
High
Large saving: many homes cut soap, shampoo and detergent use by up to half.

Appliance impact at 342 ppm: significant: elements fur up, expect earlier failures. Sized for a 4-person home; regenerates roughly every 8 days (estimate). Figures are conservative estimates and vary with household size and usage.

Water quality details

Hardness data for EN5

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

Hardness measurements

Parts per million (ppm CaCO₃)342
Degrees Clark (°Clark)23.9
Degrees French (°fH)34.2
Degrees German (°dH)19.2
Calcium (mg/L Ca²⁺)137

Supplier and area

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

Enter your postcode to see your water hardness level, useful for setting your dishwasher, washing machine, or water softener.

Nearby

Other areas near Barnet

EN4
Barnet
341ppm
Very Hard
EN6
Potters Bar
343ppm
Very Hard
EN7
Waltham Cross
344ppm
Very Hard
FAQ

Common questions about EN5

What is the water hardness in EN5 Barnet?
The water in EN5 Barnet has a hardness level of 342 ppm (parts per million) calcium carbonate, classified as very hard. This is 135 ppm above the UK national average of 207 ppm.
Which water company supplies EN5?
EN5 Barnet is supplied by Affinity Water. Affinity Water serves the London region.
Is the water in EN5 safe to drink?
Yes. Very Hard water at 342 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 EN5?
For very hard water at 342 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 342 ppm water hardness mean?
342 ppm means there are 342 parts per million of calcium carbonate dissolved in the water. This is equivalent to 23.9 Clark degrees, 19.2 German degrees, or 34.2 French degrees. Water above 180 ppm is generally considered hard.
What size water softener do I need in EN5?
For a typical 4-person home at 342 ppm, a 24,000 grain softener is a sensible size. It would regenerate roughly every 7.8 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 EN5?
At 342 ppm, expect to use about 70 kg of salt a year, costing roughly £20–£34/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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