Water hardness

SN13 Corsham

Near or below the UK average. Limescale builds slowly.

At 153 ppm, Corsham ranks near the UK's softest water areas — compare it against the hardest areas.

Moderately Hard 153 ppm South West Wessex Water
Your reading
153
parts per million
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very hard
0100200300400+

What this means for your home

Based on 153 ppm in Corsham (moderately hard water).

  • Noticeable limescale buildup in kettles and boilers
  • Soap may not lather as easily
  • Showerhead may need descaling periodically
  • Slight film on glassware after washing
Heat loss
4%
Light scaling
Softener salt
£9–15
per year
Worth it?
No
at 153 ppm
Suggested for moderately hard water
Filter jug (optional)
Mainly a taste preference, limescale won't be a real issue here.
From £20
Maintenance habits
Routine descaling once or twice a year is plenty.
Free
Softening

Should you soften the water in Corsham?

A verdict and running-cost estimate based on SN13's 153 ppm reading, for a typical 4-person household.

Softener optional

Water is soft to moderate, so limescale and soap costs are low and a softener rarely pays back.

Recommended size
24k
grain capacity, regenerates ~every 17.5 days
Salt running cost
£9–15
per year (~31 kg salt)
Limescale
4%
est. heater efficiency loss. Light scaling
Soap saving
Low
Some saving: expect to use slightly less soap and detergent.

Appliance impact at 153 ppm: slight: minor descaling extends kettle/boiler life. Sized for a 4-person home; regenerates roughly every 18 days (estimate). Figures are conservative estimates and vary with household size and usage.

Water quality details

Hardness data for SN13

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

Hardness measurements

Parts per million (ppm CaCO₃)153
Degrees Clark (°Clark)10.7
Degrees French (°fH)15.3
Degrees German (°dH)8.6
Calcium (mg/L Ca²⁺)61

Supplier and area

Water supplier Wessex Water
Region South West
County Wiltshire
Hardness band Moderately Hard
UK average 207 ppm
Visit Wessex Water page
Official source
Wessex Water water-hardness report

Read the hardness and limescale guidance here, then use the postcode checker to see your local hardness value.

Nearby

Other areas near Corsham

SN12
Melksham
152ppm
Moderately Hard
SN14
Chippenham
154ppm
Moderately Hard
SN15
Chippenham
155ppm
Moderately Hard
FAQ

Common questions about SN13

What is the water hardness in SN13 Corsham?
The water in SN13 Corsham has a hardness level of 153 ppm (parts per million) calcium carbonate, classified as moderately hard. This is 54 ppm below the UK national average of 207 ppm.
Which water company supplies SN13?
SN13 Corsham is supplied by Wessex Water. Wessex Water serves the South West region.
Is the water in SN13 safe to drink?
Yes. Moderately Hard water at 153 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 SN13?
At 153 ppm, the water in SN13 is moderately hard and unlikely to cause significant issues. A jug filter can improve taste, but a water softener is generally not necessary.
What does 153 ppm water hardness mean?
153 ppm means there are 153 parts per million of calcium carbonate dissolved in the water. This is equivalent to 10.7 Clark degrees, 8.6 German degrees, or 15.3 French degrees. Water above 180 ppm is generally considered hard.
What size water softener do I need in SN13?
For a typical 4-person home at 153 ppm, a 24,000 grain softener is a sensible size. It would regenerate roughly every 17.5 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 SN13?
At 153 ppm, expect to use about 31 kg of salt a year, costing roughly £9–£15/year. Water is soft to moderate, so limescale and soap costs are low and a softener rarely pays back.

Your Corsham water action plan

Enter your email for the short list of things worth doing at 153 ppm, and the upgrades you can safely ignore.

Check another postcode

Compare hardness across areas before moving or buying a softener.