Water hardness and quality in Formby
Page updated · Report periods are shown with each report.
Sefton · North West. Explore the published supply-area report and check your postcode for a supplier-confirmed match.
Example postcode: L37 3PX · Supplier-confirmed source area: United Utilities zone “Formby”. This is an example supply area: zone names are the supplier’s own labels and may refer to works or places outside Formby. Other addresses may have a different supply.
Confirm your address · Check a postcode
A town can span several supply areas. Enter your full postcode to check which supplier and source area serve your address. Matching covers selected suppliers; unsupported areas remain clearly identified.
Your water at a glance
Hard water. Expect limescale.
For your home, the main practical issue is mineral scale in kettles, showers and appliances. Check your dishwasher setting and follow appliance care instructions.
253 mg/l as CaCO₃
Soft ≤100 · Slightly hard ≤150 · Moderately hard ≤200 · Hard ≤300 · Very hard >300 mg/l. DWI hardness bands; not safety grades.
Published quality checks
2 parameters need a closer look
These labels describe Rolling 12 months; updated 2026-09-04. 63 other parameters have no complete compliance judgement here. They are not a guarantee about an individual tap today.
Lead · Nickel
Understand the reported results ↓Read the supplier’s original report and notes ↗Make this useful for your home
Hardness reporting period: Rolling 12 months; updated 2026-09-04 · Quality reporting period: Rolling 12 months; updated 2026-09-04
Appliance settings · Convert hardness units
2.53 mmol/l
A conversion of the published hardness, not another test. Follow your appliance’s model-specific instructions.
Drinking-water results
What do the important results mean?
Read the status, sample range and source requirement together. A low average can hide an individual exceedance. Green labels mean the supplier reported no exceedances for that parameter and period; amber calls for source context.
Lead
! Range crosses the source reference
Published mean
<2.37 µg Pb/l
Source reference: 10 µg Pb/l
Plumbing can affect lead at an individual tap. An area average cannot rule out a problem with pipes at your property.
6 samples · Range: <0.550 to 11.4 µg Pb/l
The reported sample range extends beyond the numerical reference. Check the source explanation; no failure count is inferred.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Nickel
! Range crosses the source reference
Published mean
<63.0 µg Ni/l
Source reference: 20 µg Ni/l
A monitored metal that can be influenced by materials in contact with water. Local plumbing and sampling context matter.
6 samples · Range: <0.770 to 374 µg Ni/l
The reported sample range extends beyond the numerical reference. Check the source explanation; no failure count is inferred.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
E. coli
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
0 number/100ml
Source reference: 0 number/100ml
A microbiological indicator. The reported sample results and any failures matter more than an average bacterial count.
108 samples · Range: 0 to 0 number/100ml
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Nitrate
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
7.97 mg NO3/l
Source reference: 50 mg NO3/l
A dissolved compound monitored against drinking-water requirements. Its mean, highest reported result and sample count answer different questions.
10 samples · Range: 6.11 to 9.08 mg NO3/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
For your household
What should you do next?
Check appliance settings
Match the hardness unit to your dishwasher manual. Settings depend on the model.
Dishwasher guideManage limescale
Follow the manufacturer’s descaling advice. Check what a filter actually removes before buying.
Filters and limescaleA new change at your tap?
For a new taste, smell, colour or supply problem, check current supplier advice. Annual data is not a live incident feed.
Official supplier help ↗Taste, appearance and mineral content
Chlorine, pH and minerals answer different questions. Calcium and magnesium help describe hardness; chloride is different from treatment chlorine. None is a stand-alone water-quality score.
Free chlorine residual
Disinfectant remaining after treatment. It can influence taste and smell; a lower concentration is not automatically better.
See the measurement and context ↓pH
Describes acidity and alkalinity on a scale, rather than an amount of a substance. Where the source gives a range, both its lower and upper bounds matter.
See the measurement and context ↓Calcium
A naturally occurring mineral that contributes to hardness. Calcium alone is not the same measurement as total hardness.
See the measurement and context ↓Has the hardness changed?
History for this reported source area. Only comparable annual statistics appear in the chart; rolling summaries are kept separate. These are not daily tests at your address.
A comparable historical series is not available yet. We will add earlier reports when we can verify their periods and source areas.
Explore all measurements · 68 parameters · Rolling 12 months; updated 2026-09-04
Every result retains its original units, range, sample count and source notes. Comparisons use the reference printed in this report; qualitative references and missing limits are not converted into invented pass/fail judgements. Unlisted substances are not necessarily absent from the water.
Parameters without their own explanation: A substance monitored in this supplier report. The source reference, units, sample range and any reported failures provide its context; the number alone is not a water-quality rating.
Source note on 66 of these parameters: “Supplier reports 0% of samples failing its requirement. This is a historical percentage, not a current incident or a reconstructed failure count.”
Hardness and minerals 8 parameters
Alkalinity
No numerical limit supplied
Published mean
176 mg/l
Source reference:
How strongly water resists a change in acidity. This helps describe its chemistry; it is different from pH and total hardness.
13 samples · Range: 109 to 208 mg/l
This report gives no numerical limit for this parameter. A higher or lower number is not automatically better.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: . Source parameter: Alkalinity as CaCO3. Original mean: 176 mg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Calcium
No numerical limit supplied
Published mean
63.1 mg Ca/l
Source reference:
A naturally occurring mineral that contributes to hardness. Calcium alone is not the same measurement as total hardness.
46 samples · Range: 45.8 to 75.9 mg Ca/l
This report gives no numerical limit for this parameter. A higher or lower number is not automatically better.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: . Source parameter: Calcium. Original mean: 63.1 mg Ca/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Chloride
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
32.0 mg Cl/l
Source reference: 250 mg Cl/l
A dissolved salt component that can influence taste at higher concentrations. It is different from chlorine used in treatment.
33 samples · Range: 19.8 to 48.5 mg Cl/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 250. Source parameter: Chloride. Original mean: 32.0 mg Cl/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Fluoride
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.270 mg F/l
Source reference: 1.5 mg F/l
Can occur naturally or be added through a fluoridation scheme. The concentration alone does not tell you whether it was added; a lower number is not automatically better.
64 samples · Range: <0.270 to <0.270 mg F/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 1.5. Source parameter: Fluoride. Original mean: <0.270 mg F/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Total hardness
No numerical limit supplied
Published mean
253 mg CaCO3/l
Source reference:
Dissolved calcium and magnesium affect limescale and appliance settings. This is a mineral description, not a safety score.
46 samples · Range: 168 to 315 mg CaCO3/l
This report gives no numerical limit for this parameter. A higher or lower number is not automatically better.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: . Source parameter: Hardness Total as CaCO3. Original mean: 253 mg CaCO3/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Magnesium
No numerical limit supplied
Published mean
23.1 mg Mg/l
Source reference:
A naturally occurring mineral that contributes to hardness alongside calcium.
46 samples · Range: 12.9 to 30.5 mg Mg/l
This report gives no numerical limit for this parameter. A higher or lower number is not automatically better.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: . Source parameter: Magnesium. Original mean: 23.1 mg Mg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Sodium
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
28.8 mg Na/l
Source reference: 200 mg Na/l
A dissolved salt component. Compare the water measurement with its source reference; it is not a measure of your total dietary salt intake.
10 samples · Range: 26.1 to 33.2 mg Na/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 200. Source parameter: Sodium. Original mean: 28.8 mg Na/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Sulphate
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
60.3 mg SO4/l
Source reference: 250 mg SO4/l
A dissolved mineral component monitored in water-quality reports. Read its concentration alongside the source reference.
32 samples · Range: >38.5 to 114 mg SO4/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 250. Source parameter: Sulphate. Original mean: 60.3 mg SO4/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Taste, appearance and treatment 6 parameters
Free chlorine residual
No numerical limit supplied
Published mean
0.55 mg/l
Source reference:
Disinfectant remaining after treatment. It can influence taste and smell; a lower concentration is not automatically better.
108 samples · Range: 0.12 to 0.83 mg/l
This report gives no numerical limit for this parameter. A higher or lower number is not automatically better.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: . Source parameter: Residual chlorine - Free. Original mean: 0.55 mg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Colour
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<1.87 mg/l Pt/Co scale
Source reference: 20 mg/l Pt/Co scale
A measure of water colour under test conditions. A new change at your tap should be checked with your supplier.
45 samples · Range: <1.75 to <2.08 mg/l Pt/Co scale
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 20. Source parameter: Colour. Original mean: <1.87 mg/l Pt/Co scale.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Conductivity
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
536 uS/cm at 20oC
Source reference: 2500 uS/cm at 20oC
Indicates how readily water conducts electricity, influenced by dissolved ions. It is not a direct measurement of hardness or safety.
45 samples · Range: 259 to 644 uS/cm at 20oC
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 2500. Source parameter: Conductivity. Original mean: 536 uS/cm at 20oC.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Total organic carbon
No numerical limit supplied
Published mean
1.34 mg C/l
Source reference:
A broad measure of organic carbon used to understand water and treatment. It does not identify an individual contaminant.
32 samples · Range: 0.830 to 1.91 mg C/l
This report gives no numerical limit for this parameter. A higher or lower number is not automatically better.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: . Source parameter: Total organic carbon. Original mean: 1.34 mg C/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
pH
Reference needs source context
Published mean
7.87 pH value
Source reference: 9.5
Describes acidity and alkalinity on a scale, rather than an amount of a substance. Where the source gives a range, both its lower and upper bounds matter.
96 samples · Range: 7.13 to 8.82 pH value
The supplied reference cannot be safely compared numerically with this reading. Check its units and the complete source requirement; no pass/fail judgement is inferred.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 9.5. Source parameter: Hydrogen ion (pH). Original mean: 7.87 pH value.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Turbidity
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.17 NTU
Source reference: 4 NTU
Measures cloudiness caused by suspended particles. It cannot identify their cause on its own.
45 samples · Range: <0.10 to <0.20 NTU
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 4. Source parameter: Turbidity. Original mean: <0.17 NTU.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Metals 13 parameters
Aluminium
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<6.46 µg Al/l
Source reference: 200 µg Al/l
Monitored as part of water-quality testing and treatment control. Compare with the reference and sample results in the source.
46 samples · Range: <2.71 to 25.9 µg Al/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 200. Source parameter: Aluminium. Original mean: <6.46 µg Al/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Antimony
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.314 µg Sb/l
Source reference: 5 µg Sb/l
A trace element monitored in drinking water. The source reference and sample results provide the relevant comparison.
9 samples · Range: <0.310 to <0.330 µg Sb/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 5. Source parameter: Antimony. Original mean: <0.314 µg Sb/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Arsenic
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
1.11 µg As/l
Source reference: 10 µg As/l
A trace element monitored against a drinking-water requirement. Use the source results and units rather than taste or appearance to interpret it.
9 samples · Range: 0.640 to 1.68 µg As/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 10. Source parameter: Arsenic. Original mean: 1.11 µg As/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Boron
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
0.0278 mg B/l
Source reference: 1 mg B/l
A dissolved element monitored in drinking water. The source reference applies to the parameter and units shown here.
33 samples · Range: 0.0127 to 0.0687 mg B/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 1. Source parameter: Boron. Original mean: 0.0278 mg B/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Cadmium
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0900 µg Cd/l
Source reference: 5 µg Cd/l
A trace metal monitored in drinking water. A less-than result reports an upper bound, not a measured zero.
9 samples · Range: <0.0900 to <0.0900 µg Cd/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 5. Source parameter: Cadmium. Original mean: <0.0900 µg Cd/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Chromium
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.830 µg Cr/l
Source reference: 50 µg Cr/l
A trace metal monitored in drinking-water reports. Keep the source’s chemical definition and units when comparing results.
9 samples · Range: <0.830 to <0.830 µg Cr/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 50. Source parameter: Chromium. Original mean: <0.830 µg Cr/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Copper
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0347 mg Cu/l
Source reference: 2 mg Cu/l
Can be influenced by plumbing. The area report does not replace investigation of a problem at an individual property.
6 samples · Range: <0.0104 to 0.0905 mg Cu/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 2. Source parameter: Copper. Original mean: <0.0347 mg Cu/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Iron
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<9.56 µg Fe/l
Source reference: 200 µg Fe/l
Can affect water colour, staining and taste. A historical result does not diagnose a change in your tap water today.
46 samples · Range: <2.10 to 133 µg Fe/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 200. Source parameter: Iron. Original mean: <9.56 µg Fe/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Lead
! Range crosses the source reference
Published mean
<2.37 µg Pb/l
Source reference: 10 µg Pb/l
Plumbing can affect lead at an individual tap. An area average cannot rule out a problem with pipes at your property.
6 samples · Range: <0.550 to 11.4 µg Pb/l
The reported sample range extends beyond the numerical reference. Check the source explanation; no failure count is inferred.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 10. Source parameter: Lead. Original mean: <2.37 µg Pb/l.
Supplier reports 16.67% of samples failing its requirement. This is a historical percentage, not a current incident or a reconstructed failure count.
Manganese
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.549 µg Mn/l
Source reference: 50 µg Mn/l
Can affect colour and deposits. Any reported exceedance needs the supplier’s investigation context.
46 samples · Range: <0.370 to 5.54 µg Mn/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 50. Source parameter: Manganese. Original mean: <0.549 µg Mn/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Mercury
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.130 µg Hg/l
Source reference: 1 µg Hg/l
A trace metal monitored against drinking-water requirements. Keep detection limits separate from exact measurements.
32 samples · Range: <0.130 to <0.130 µg Hg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 1. Source parameter: Mercury. Original mean: <0.130 µg Hg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Nickel
! Range crosses the source reference
Published mean
<63.0 µg Ni/l
Source reference: 20 µg Ni/l
A monitored metal that can be influenced by materials in contact with water. Local plumbing and sampling context matter.
6 samples · Range: <0.770 to 374 µg Ni/l
The reported sample range extends beyond the numerical reference. Check the source explanation; no failure count is inferred.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 20. Source parameter: Nickel. Original mean: <63.0 µg Ni/l.
Supplier reports 16.67% of samples failing its requirement. This is a historical percentage, not a current incident or a reconstructed failure count.
Selenium
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.850 µg Se/l
Source reference: 10 µg Se/l
A trace element monitored in drinking water. Its presence alone does not establish that a requirement was exceeded.
9 samples · Range: <0.850 to <0.850 µg Se/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 10. Source parameter: Selenium. Original mean: <0.850 µg Se/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Microbiology 3 parameters
Coliform bacteria
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
0 number/100ml
Source reference: 0 number/100ml
Used to monitor water-system hygiene. Interpret detections with the supplier’s sampling location and investigation notes.
108 samples · Range: 0 to 0 number/100ml
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0. Source parameter: Coliform bacteria. Original mean: 0 number/100ml.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
E. coli
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
0 number/100ml
Source reference: 0 number/100ml
A microbiological indicator. The reported sample results and any failures matter more than an average bacterial count.
108 samples · Range: 0 to 0 number/100ml
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0. Source parameter: E.coli. Original mean: 0 number/100ml.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Enterococci
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
0 number/100ml
Source reference: 0 number/100ml
A microbiological indicator assessed through sample results. Read any reported failures with the supplier’s investigation notes.
10 samples · Range: 0 to 0 number/100ml
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0. Source parameter: Enterococci. Original mean: 0 number/100ml.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Other monitored substances 38 parameters
2,4-D
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0099 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0090 to 0.0300 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: 2,4-D. Original mean: <0.0099 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
2,4-DB
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0150 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0150 to <0.0150 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: 2,4-DB. Original mean: <0.0150 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Ammonium (ammonia and ammonium ions)
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0431 mg NH4/l
Source reference: 0.5 mg NH4/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
10 samples · Range: <0.0322 to <0.0540 mg NH4/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.5. Source parameter: Ammonium (ammonia and ammonium ions). Original mean: <0.0431 mg NH4/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Asulam
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0122 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0042 to <0.0170 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Asulam. Original mean: <0.0122 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Benzene
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0804 µg/l
Source reference: 1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
33 samples · Range: <0.0780 to <0.0830 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 1. Source parameter: Benzene. Original mean: <0.0804 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Benzo(a)pyrene
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0020 µg/l
Source reference: 0.01 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
10 samples · Range: <0.0020 to <0.0020 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.01. Source parameter: Benzo(a)pyrene. Original mean: <0.0020 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Bromate
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.690 µg BrO3/l
Source reference: 10 µg BrO3/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
11 samples · Range: <0.640 to 0.920 µg BrO3/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 10. Source parameter: Bromate. Original mean: <0.690 µg BrO3/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Carbetamide
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0086 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0070 to <0.0100 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Carbetamide. Original mean: <0.0086 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Residual chlorine - Total
No numerical limit supplied
Published mean
0.63 mg/l
Source reference:
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
108 samples · Range: 0.18 to 0.94 mg/l
This report gives no numerical limit for this parameter. A higher or lower number is not automatically better.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: . Source parameter: Residual chlorine - Total. Original mean: 0.63 mg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Chlortoluron
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0050 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0050 to <0.0050 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Chlortoluron. Original mean: <0.0050 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Colony counts after 3 days at 22 deg C
No numerical limit supplied
Published mean
1 number/1ml
Source reference:
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
51 samples · Range: 0 to 31 number/1ml
This report gives no numerical limit for this parameter. A higher or lower number is not automatically better.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: . Source parameter: Colony counts after 3 days at 22 deg C. Original mean: 1 number/1ml.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Clostridium perfringens (including spores)
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
0 number/100ml
Source reference: 0 number/100ml
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
10 samples · Range: 0 to 0 number/100ml
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0. Source parameter: Clostridium perfringens (including spores). Original mean: 0 number/100ml.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Clopyralid
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0150 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0150 to <0.0150 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Clopyralid. Original mean: <0.0150 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Cyanide
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<3.91 µg CN/l
Source reference: 50 µg CN/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
33 samples · Range: <3.91 to <3.91 µg CN/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 50. Source parameter: Cyanide. Original mean: <3.91 µg CN/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
1,2-dichloroethane
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.153 µg/l
Source reference: 3 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
32 samples · Range: <0.130 to <0.180 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 3. Source parameter: 1,2-dichloroethane. Original mean: <0.153 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Diazinon
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0082 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0070 to <0.0090 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Diazinon. Original mean: <0.0082 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Dicamba
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0158 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0120 to <0.0160 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Dicamba. Original mean: <0.0158 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Diuron
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0115 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0100 to <0.0130 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Diuron. Original mean: <0.0115 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Fluroxypyr
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0230 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0230 to <0.0230 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Fluroxypyr. Original mean: <0.0230 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Glyphosate
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0196 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
26 samples · Range: <0.0130 to <0.0200 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Glyphosate. Original mean: <0.0196 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Isoproturon
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0090 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0090 to <0.0090 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Isoproturon. Original mean: <0.0090 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Linuron
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0085 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0070 to <0.0100 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Linuron. Original mean: <0.0085 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
MCPA
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0108 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0100 to 0.0200 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: MCPA. Original mean: <0.0108 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Mecoprop
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0100 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0100 to 0.0100 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Mecoprop. Original mean: <0.0100 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Metaldehyde
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0081 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0045 to <0.0102 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Metaldehyde. Original mean: <0.0081 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Nitrite
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0082 mg NO2/l
Source reference: 0.5 mg NO2/l
A nitrogen compound monitored in water supplies. Requirements can depend on where the sample was collected; use the reference printed in this report.
10 samples · Range: <0.0076 to <0.0099 mg NO2/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.5. Source parameter: Nitrite. Original mean: <0.0082 mg NO2/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Nitrate
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
7.97 mg NO3/l
Source reference: 50 mg NO3/l
A dissolved compound monitored against drinking-water requirements. Its mean, highest reported result and sample count answer different questions.
10 samples · Range: 6.11 to 9.08 mg NO3/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 50. Source parameter: Nitrate. Original mean: 7.97 mg NO3/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
(Nitrate)/50 plus (nitrite)/3
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
0.159 mg/l
Source reference: 1 mg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
10 samples · Range: 0.121 to 0.182 mg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 1. Source parameter: (Nitrate)/50 plus (nitrite)/3. Original mean: 0.159 mg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Odour (quantitative)
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
0 dilution number at 25oC
Source reference: 0 dilution number at 25oC
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
58 samples · Range: 0 to 0 dilution number at 25oC
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0. Source parameter: Odour (quantitative). Original mean: 0 dilution number at 25oC.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (sum of 4 PAHs)
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
0.0000 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
10 samples · Range: 0.0000 to 0.0000 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (sum of 4 PAHs). Original mean: 0.0000 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Pentachlorophenol
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0130 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
15 samples · Range: <0.0130 to <0.0130 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Pentachlorophenol. Original mean: <0.0130 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Pesticides - Total
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
0.0033 µg/l
Source reference: 0.5 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
26 samples · Range: 0.0000 to 0.0499 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.5. Source parameter: Pesticides - Total. Original mean: 0.0033 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Propyzamide
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0080 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0080 to <0.0080 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Propyzamide. Original mean: <0.0080 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Taste (quantitative)
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
0 dilution number at 25oC
Source reference: 0 dilution number at 25oC
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
57 samples · Range: 0 to 0 dilution number at 25oC
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0. Source parameter: Taste (quantitative). Original mean: 0 dilution number at 25oC.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Tetrachloromethane
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.467 µg/l
Source reference: 3 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
10 samples · Range: <0.380 to <0.670 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 3. Source parameter: Tetrachloromethane. Original mean: <0.467 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Trihalomethanes - Total
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
39.3 µg/l
Source reference: 100 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
10 samples · Range: 34.4 to 45.7 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 100. Source parameter: Trihalomethanes - Total. Original mean: 39.3 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Triclopyr
Reported upper bound at or below the limit
Published mean
<0.0170 µg/l
Source reference: 0.1 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
24 samples · Range: <0.0170 to <0.0170 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
“<” is part of the source result. It is not an exact concentration or a measured zero.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 0.1. Source parameter: Triclopyr. Original mean: <0.0170 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene
Mean at or below the source limit
Published mean
0.0000 µg/l
Source reference: 10 µg/l
About this parameter: see the note above this list.
10 samples · Range: 0.0000 to 0.0000 µg/l
Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.
Original wording and source notes
Source reference: 10. Source parameter: Tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene. Original mean: 0.0000 µg/l.
Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 66 parameters).
Sources, dates and how to interpret this page
- Reporting period
- Rolling 12 months; updated 2026-09-04
- Source retrieved
- 2026-09-11
- Last verified source check
- 2026-09-11
- Original publication
- United Utilities report ↗
Official supplier report for this supply zone, retrieved with postcode L37 3PX. Town pages that cite this zone show their own supplier-confirmed example postcode. This is an example supply area, not a measurement at every address in the towns it serves.
The supplier describes a rolling 12-month window updated weekly. Its update date is not an exact sampling-period end date. Overlapping rolling windows are not annual trend points.
All published numeric parameters are retained, including censored readings and historical failures. These results are not a statement about current incidents.
Supplier reports 0% of samples failing its requirement. This is a historical percentage, not a current incident or a reconstructed failure count.
Hardness: 46 samples · reported range 168 to 315 mg CaCO3/l.
Status labels describe the published parameter and period. Historical exceedances do not automatically establish a current incident. Numerical limits are taken from the original report, not applied indiscriminately across countries, dates or sampling locations. DWI explains how standards work in England and Wales.
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Questions about water in Formby
Is the water in Formby hard or soft?
Hard. United Utilities’ report for Rolling 12 months; updated 4 September 2026 gives total hardness of 253 mg/l as calcium carbonate for the Formby supply area. That is the area returned for the example postcode L37 3PX; supply can differ by address, so check your full postcode.
Who supplies water in Formby?
United Utilities supplies the example postcode L37 3PX (Formby supply area). Other addresses may differ: check your full postcode or use United Utilities’ water quality information.
Do I need a water softener in Formby?
At 253 mg/l as calcium carbonate, in the middle of the hard band (above 200 to 300 mg/l), limescale in kettles, showers and appliances is the main household issue. That is about 14.2 °dH or 17.7 Clark degrees, units many appliance manuals use, so check your dishwasher setting. A softener is a household choice, not a requirement; check what a filter or softener actually does before buying.
How up to date is the water information for Formby?
Hardness and water-quality results both come from United Utilities’ rolling summary (12 months, updated 4 September 2026). These are area summaries, not live tests of your tap; see the original United Utilities report.