UK region

Water hardness in West Midlands

Average 215 ppm across 203 postcode districts — classified as hard.

  • Range 53–297 ppm
  • Counties 5
  • Suppliers Severn Trent Water, Welsh Water (Dwr Cymru)
Regional average
215
ppm CaCO₃
Hard
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very hard
0100200300400+
215
Avg ppm
53
Min ppm
297
Max ppm
203
Postcodes

Water Hardness Across West Midlands

The average water hardness in the West Midlands region is 215 ppm, classified as hard. Across 203 postcode districts, hardness ranges from 53 ppm to 297 ppm.

The region is served by Severn Trent Water, Welsh Water (Dwr Cymru). Water hardness varies by county — see the breakdown below or check your specific postcode.

By county

Counties in West Midlands

Sorted by hardness — see how your county compares.

County Hardness PPM Level Postcodes
Shropshire
249
249 ppm Hard 13
Staffordshire
222
222 ppm Hard 21
West Midlands
222
222 ppm Hard 145
Worcestershire
207
207 ppm Hard 15
Herefordshire
57
57 ppm Soft 9
Suppliers

Water Companies in West Midlands

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

Severn Trent Water

222 ppm Hard

Welsh Water (Dwr Cymru)

68 ppm Slightly Hard

Hard Water Guides

Learn more about water hardness and how to manage it.

What Is Water Hardness? Hard Water Effects Solutions
Recommended

Products for West Midlands

Top picks for households in hard water areas.

Water2Buy W2B200 Water Softener

From ~£400

Best-value whole-house ion-exchange softener for UK homes. Eliminates limescale from pipes, boilers, and appliances. Digital metered regeneration — low salt use. 7-year warranty.

View on Amazon

Philips AWP1775 Shower Filter

From ~£30

Instant improvement for skin and hair. Reduces chlorine and limescale at the showerhead — no plumbing needed. A good first step before committing to a full softener.

View on Amazon
FAQ

Common questions about West Midlands water

Is tap water in West Midlands safe to drink?
Yes. All tap water in West Midlands meets UK drinking water standards. Hardness affects taste and limescale buildup but not safety.
Why is water in West Midlands hard?
Water hardness in West Midlands 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 West Midlands?
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 West Midlands?
The average water hardness across West Midlands is 215 ppm (parts per million), classified as hard. It ranges from 53 ppm to 297 ppm across 203 postcode districts.

Get West Midlands Water Updates

Be notified when water companies in West Midlands report changes to hardness levels.