UK region

Water hardness in North East

Average 101 ppm across 122 postcode districts — classified as slightly hard.

  • Range 50–150 ppm
  • Counties 3
  • Suppliers Northumbrian Water
Regional average
101
ppm CaCO₃
Slightly Hard
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very hard
0100200300400+
101
Avg ppm
50
Min ppm
150
Max ppm
122
Postcodes

Water Hardness Across North East

The average water hardness in the North East region is 101 ppm, classified as slightly hard. Across 122 postcode districts, hardness ranges from 50 ppm to 150 ppm.

The region is served by Northumbrian Water. Water hardness varies by county — see the breakdown below or check your specific postcode.

At 101 ppm, North East ranks as slightly hard water nationally. Compare it against the 50 softest water areas in the UK.

Worth reading: our water softener guide covers the best options for North East residents, and our limescale removal guide has quick fixes for kettles and taps.

By county

Counties in North East

Sorted by hardness — see how your county compares.

County Hardness PPM Level Postcodes
Tyne And Wear
110
110 ppm Slightly Hard 67
County Durham
107
107 ppm Slightly Hard 26
Teesside
75
75 ppm Slightly Hard 29
Suppliers

Water Companies in North East

Tap on a company for full coverage area and hardness data.

Northumbrian Water

101 ppm Slightly Hard

Hard Water Guides

Learn more about water hardness and how to manage it.

What Is Water Hardness? Hard Water Effects Solutions

Test Your Water in North East

At 101 ppm on average, your water is slightly hard. A home testing kit lets you verify the exact hardness for your postcode and check for other contaminants.

TESPERT 16-in-1 Water Testing Kit

From ~£10

Home water test strips that check hardness, pH, chlorine, lead, and 12 other parameters. Results in around 60 seconds. 125 strips per pack.

View on Amazon
FAQ

Common questions about North East water

Is North East's water hard or soft?
North East is classified as slightly hard water, averaging 101 ppm across 122 postcode districts. Limescale build-up is minimal at this level, though individual postcodes vary.
Is tap water in North East safe to drink?
Yes. All tap water in North East meets UK drinking water standards. Hardness affects taste and limescale buildup but not safety.
Why is water in North East slightly hard?
Water hardness in North East depends on the geology — chalk and limestone aquifers dissolve calcium and magnesium into the supply, making it harder. Areas with sandstone or granite tend to be softer.
Does hard water affect boilers in North East?
Over time, limescale acts as an insulator in heat exchangers, reducing efficiency by a few percentage points each year if untreated. A water softener can help protect your boiler.
What's the average water hardness in North East?
The average water hardness across North East is 101 ppm (parts per million), classified as slightly hard. It ranges from 50 ppm to 150 ppm across 122 postcode districts.

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