Water hardness

OX26 Bicester

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

At 285 ppm, Bicester sits among the UK's hardest water areas — compare it against the softest areas.

Hard 285 ppm South East Thames Water
Your reading
285
parts per million
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very hard
0100200300400+

What this means for your home

Based on 285 ppm in Bicester (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
£16–28
per year
Worth it?
Yes
at 285 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 Bicester?

A verdict and running-cost estimate based on OX26's 285 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 9.4 days
Salt running cost
£16–28
per year (~58 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 285 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 OX26

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

Hardness measurements

Parts per million (ppm CaCO₃)285
Degrees Clark (°Clark)19.9
Degrees French (°fH)28.5
Degrees German (°dH)16
Calcium (mg/L Ca²⁺)114

Supplier and area

Water supplier Thames Water
Region South East
County Oxfordshire
Hardness band Hard
UK average 207 ppm
Visit Thames Water page
Official source
Thames Water Utilities Ltd water-hardness report

Read the hardness categories table to see where your supply falls; most of the region is hard to very hard at over 200 mg/l CaCO3.

Nearby

Other areas near Bicester

OX25
Bicester
284ppm
Hard
OX27
Bicester
286ppm
Hard
OX28
Witney
287ppm
Hard
FAQ

Common questions about OX26

What is the water hardness in OX26 Bicester?
The water in OX26 Bicester has a hardness level of 285 ppm (parts per million) calcium carbonate, classified as hard. This is 78 ppm above the UK national average of 207 ppm.
Which water company supplies OX26?
OX26 Bicester is supplied by Thames Water. Thames Water serves the South East region.
Is the water in OX26 safe to drink?
Yes. Hard water at 285 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 OX26?
For hard water at 285 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 285 ppm water hardness mean?
285 ppm means there are 285 parts per million of calcium carbonate dissolved in the water. This is equivalent to 19.9 Clark degrees, 16 German degrees, or 28.5 French degrees. Water above 180 ppm is generally considered hard.
What size water softener do I need in OX26?
For a typical 4-person home at 285 ppm, a 24,000 grain softener is a sensible size. It would regenerate roughly every 9.4 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 OX26?
At 285 ppm, expect to use about 58 kg of salt a year, costing roughly £16–£28/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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