Hard Water in the UK: Check If Your Area Is Affected

Hard water is common across many parts of the UK, and if you run a business with a commercial dishwasher, it’s important to understand how hard water can affect your equipment, costs, and cleaning results.

What is Hard Water?

The simple definition of water hardness is the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water. It occurs in the UK, where the bedrock consists of sedimentary rocks such as limestone, chalk, flint, and sandstone. The Southeast of the UK is made primarily of chalk and limestone and therefore has the hardest water. This mineral buildup is what we commonly call limescale.

Understanding Water Hardness Levels

Here’s how to understand water hardness levels, measured in parts per million of calcium carbonate.

• Soft: Up to 100ppm
• Slightly Hard: 100-150 ppm
• Moderately Hard: 150-200 ppm
• Hard: 200-300 ppm
• Very Hard: Over 300 ppm

Counties in the UK With the Hardest Water

The majority of homes in the UK are affected by hard water, with a reading of 200 ppm or more. Here is a brief list of the worst-affected counties with hard-to-very-hard water, based on data from each water supplier:

• Surrey (300+ ppm)
• Essex (300+ ppm)
• Sussex (300+ ppm)
• Dorset (300+ ppm)
• Bedfordshire (300+ ppm)
• Kent (300+ ppm)
• Hertfordshire (300+ ppm)
• Buckinghamshire (300+ ppm)
• Hampshire (300+ ppm)
• Gloucestershire (200+ ppm)
• Oxfordshire (300+ ppm)
• Wiltshire (300+ ppm)

How Do I Check the Water Hardness in My Area?

To check your local water hardness, enter your postcode on your regional water supplier’s website (e.g., Anglian Water or Severn Trent) to use the online checker. Alternatively, use a water hardness test strip, or perform a quick DIY soap test by shaking water and soap in a jar; if it forms a few fluffy bubbles, your water is hard.

The Impact of Hard Water

Hard water can reduce the lifespan of industrial and commercial equipment. This is because minerals are deposited and harden on the appliances they come into contact with. The buildup of minerals will reduce equipment efficiency and increase energy costs. In addition to affecting your machines, hard water can damage clothes, etch glass, bind with detergents, cause odours, and leave chalky residue or spots on dishes.

To maintain the equipment, you can periodically flush the system and replace the boiler's water, but this requires using water, energy, and chemicals.

It is essential for businesses to take appropriate measures to mitigate the effects of hard water.

How to Protect Commercial Dishwashers from Hard Water

Install Water Softeners or Softeners Built into Machines

Many modern commercial dishwashers can be fitted with built-in water softeners to treat incoming water before it enters the wash chamber. This reduces mineral content and slows limescale formation.

Use Correct Chemicals

Using the right detergents, rinse aids, and dishwasher-specific salts can affect the effectiveness of cleaning cycles in hard-water areas. Dishwashers Direct stock a range of specialist dishwasher chemicals designed to address hard water issues and improve cleaning performance.

Regular Maintenance & Descaling

Routine descaling and filter cleaning help prevent build-up. This is particularly important in hard-water areas, where minerals accumulate more quickly.

Choose Hard Water-Friendly Models

When selecting new equipment for your commercial kitchen, consider machines designed to operate in hard-water conditions.

Hard water is a fact of life in many parts of the UK, but it doesn’t have to be a problem for your commercial kitchen. With the right knowledge, equipment, and maintenance strategy, businesses can reduce the impact of hard water on dishwashers and enjoy clean, efficient performance for years to come.

Need help choosing the right solution for your premises? Contact the team at Dishwashers Direct to discuss water hardness challenges and find commercial dishwasher options tailored to your needs.

You Might Find Interesting:

• Our guide on Water Softeners & Commercial Dishwashers
  
• Our guide on Tips For Saving Water in Your Catering Business
• Our guide on Domestic vs. Commercial Water Softeners Explained