Water hardness

SM1 Sutton

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

At 236 ppm, Sutton sits among the UK's hardest water areas — compare it against the softest areas.

Hard 236 ppm London SES Water
Your reading
236
parts per million
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very hard
0100200300400+

What this means for your home

Based on 236 ppm in Sutton (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
£14–23
per year
Worth it?
Yes
at 236 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 Sutton?

A verdict and running-cost estimate based on SM1's 236 ppm reading, for a typical 4-person household.

Softener recommended

Hardness is moderate to hard, so a softener cuts scale and soap use and usually pays back over its lifetime.

Recommended size
24k
grain capacity, regenerates ~every 11.3 days
Salt running cost
£14–23
per year (~48 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 236 ppm: noticeable: boiler/dishwasher life cut without descaling. Sized for a 4-person home; regenerates roughly every 11 days (estimate). Figures are conservative estimates and vary with household size and usage.

Water quality details

Hardness data for SM1

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

Hardness measurements

Parts per million (ppm CaCO₃)236
Degrees Clark (°Clark)16.5
Degrees French (°fH)23.6
Degrees German (°dH)13.2
Calcium (mg/L Ca²⁺)95

Supplier and area

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

Enter your full postcode to pull your supply zone report showing average hardness plus other drinking water test results.

Nearby

Other areas near Sutton

SM2
Sutton
237ppm
Hard
SM3
Sutton
238ppm
Hard
FAQ

Common questions about SM1

What is the water hardness in SM1 Sutton?
The water in SM1 Sutton has a hardness level of 236 ppm (parts per million) calcium carbonate, classified as hard. This is 29 ppm above the UK national average of 207 ppm.
Which water company supplies SM1?
SM1 Sutton is supplied by SES Water. SES Water serves the London region.
Is the water in SM1 safe to drink?
Yes. Hard water at 236 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 SM1?
For hard water at 236 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 236 ppm water hardness mean?
236 ppm means there are 236 parts per million of calcium carbonate dissolved in the water. This is equivalent to 16.5 Clark degrees, 13.2 German degrees, or 23.6 French degrees. Water above 180 ppm is generally considered hard.
What size water softener do I need in SM1?
For a typical 4-person home at 236 ppm, a 24,000 grain softener is a sensible size. It would regenerate roughly every 11.3 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 SM1?
At 236 ppm, expect to use about 48 kg of salt a year, costing roughly £14–£23/year. Hardness is moderate to hard, so a softener cuts scale and soap use and usually pays back over its lifetime.

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