Water hardness and quality in Manchester

Page updated · Report periods are shown with each report.

Manchester · North West. Explore the published supply-area report and check your postcode for a supplier-confirmed match.

Example postcode: M1 1AD · Supplier-confirmed source area: United Utilities zone Broughton. This is an example supply area: zone names are the supplier’s own labels and may refer to works or places outside Manchester. 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.

United Utilities · Broughton Supply-area results · Hardness: Rolling 12 months; updated 2026-09-11 · Quality: Rolling 12 months; updated 2026-09-11

Your water at a glance

Soft water. Know your mineral level.

This figure helps you choose appliance settings. Hardness describes dissolved minerals and does not establish whether every water-quality requirement was met.

28 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 2026-09-11. 43 other parameters have no complete compliance judgement here. They are not a guarantee about an individual tap today.

Coliform bacteria · Lead

Understand the reported results ↓Read the supplier’s original report and notes ↗

Hardness reporting period: Rolling 12 months; updated 2026-09-11 · Quality reporting period: Rolling 12 months; updated 2026-09-11

Appliance settings · Convert hardness units

0.28 mmol/l

A conversion of the published hardness, not another test. Follow your appliance’s model-specific instructions.

Find your dishwasher’s correct setting

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.

Coliform bacteria

! Range crosses the source reference

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.

200 samples · Range: 0 to 2 number/100ml

The reported sample range extends beyond the numerical reference. Check the source explanation; no failure count is inferred.

Lead

! Range crosses the source reference

Published mean

<2.09 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.

8 samples · Range: <0.550 to 12.9 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.

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.

200 samples · Range: 0 to 0 number/100ml

Compliance detail is unavailable. This summary alone does not establish that every sample complied.

Nitrate

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<2.21 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: <2.04 to 2.57 mg NO3/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.

For your household

What should you do next?

01

Check appliance settings

Match the hardness unit to your dishwasher manual. Settings depend on the model.

Dishwasher guide
02

Understand treatment options

A filter and a softener do different jobs. Start with the household problem you want to solve.

Filters and limescale
03

A 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 ↓
How to read a water-quality report

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 · 48 parameters · Rolling 12 months; updated 2026-09-11

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 46 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

15.4 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.

9 samples · Range: 12.0 to 23.2 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: 15.4 mg/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Calcium

No numerical limit supplied

Published mean

9.40 mg Ca/l

Source reference:

A naturally occurring mineral that contributes to hardness. Calcium alone is not the same measurement as total hardness.

71 samples · Range: 5.88 to 13.7 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: 9.40 mg Ca/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Chloride

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<15.3 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.

63 samples · Range: <12.3 to <18.3 mg Cl/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: 250. Source parameter: Chloride. Original mean: <15.3 mg Cl/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 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.

120 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 46 parameters).

Total hardness

No numerical limit supplied

Published mean

28 mg CaCO3/l

Source reference:

Dissolved calcium and magnesium affect limescale and appliance settings. This is a mineral description, not a safety score.

71 samples · Range: 18 to 42 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: 28 mg CaCO3/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Magnesium

No numerical limit supplied

Published mean

1.16 mg Mg/l

Source reference:

A naturally occurring mineral that contributes to hardness alongside calcium.

71 samples · Range: 0.850 to 2.00 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: 1.16 mg Mg/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Sodium

Mean at or below the source limit

Published mean

6.37 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.

9 samples · Range: 4.95 to 8.95 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: 6.37 mg Na/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Sulphate

Mean at or below the source limit

Published mean

9.93 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.

60 samples · Range: 4.75 to 21.5 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: 9.93 mg SO4/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Taste, appearance and treatment 6 parameters

Free chlorine residual

No numerical limit supplied

Published mean

0.92 mg/l

Source reference:

Disinfectant remaining after treatment. It can influence taste and smell; a lower concentration is not automatically better.

203 samples · Range: 0.42 to 1.36 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: 0.92 mg/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Colour

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<1.94 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.

73 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: <1.94 mg/l Pt/Co scale.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Conductivity

Mean at or below the source limit

Published mean

82.7 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.

72 samples · Range: 63.1 to 122 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: 82.7 uS/cm at 20oC.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Total organic carbon

No numerical limit supplied

Published mean

0.957 mg C/l

Source reference:

A broad measure of organic carbon used to understand water and treatment. It does not identify an individual contaminant.

60 samples · Range: 0.660 to 1.59 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: 0.957 mg C/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

pH

Reference needs source context

Published mean

7.18 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.

144 samples · Range: 6.86 to 7.65 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: 7.18 pH value.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Turbidity

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<0.16 NTU

Source reference: 4 NTU

Measures cloudiness caused by suspended particles. It cannot identify their cause on its own.

72 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: <0.16 NTU.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Metals 13 parameters

Aluminium

Mean at or below the source limit

Published mean

15.7 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.

71 samples · Range: 8.26 to 124 µg Al/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: Aluminium. Original mean: 15.7 µg Al/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Antimony

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<0.313 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.

8 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: <0.313 µg Sb/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Arsenic

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<0.480 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.

8 samples · Range: <0.480 to <0.480 µg As/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: Arsenic. Original mean: <0.480 µg As/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Boron

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<0.0161 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.

60 samples · Range: <0.0127 to <0.0199 mg B/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: Boron. Original mean: <0.0161 mg B/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 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.

8 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 46 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.

8 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 46 parameters).

Copper

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<0.0479 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.

8 samples · Range: <0.0104 to 0.159 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: <0.0479 mg Cu/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Iron

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<11.9 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.

71 samples · Range: 2.30 to 120 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: <11.9 µg Fe/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Lead

! Range crosses the source reference

Published mean

<2.09 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.

8 samples · Range: <0.550 to 12.9 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: <2.09 µg Pb/l.

Supplier reports 12.5% of samples failing its requirement. This is a historical percentage, not a current incident or a reconstructed failure count.

Manganese

Mean at or below the source limit

Published mean

2.25 µg Mn/l

Source reference: 50 µg Mn/l

Can affect colour and deposits. Any reported exceedance needs the supplier’s investigation context.

71 samples · Range: 0.520 to 43.4 µg Mn/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: Manganese. Original mean: 2.25 µg Mn/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 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.

61 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 46 parameters).

Nickel

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<2.85 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.

8 samples · Range: <0.770 to 17.4 µg Ni/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: 20. Source parameter: Nickel. Original mean: <2.85 µg Ni/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

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.

8 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 46 parameters).

Microbiology 3 parameters

Coliform bacteria

! Range crosses the source reference

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.

200 samples · Range: 0 to 2 number/100ml

The reported sample range extends beyond the numerical reference. Check the source explanation; no failure count is inferred.

Original wording and source notes

Source reference: 0. Source parameter: Coliform bacteria. Original mean: 0 number/100ml.

Supplier reports 0.5% of samples failing its requirement. This is a historical percentage, not a current incident or a reconstructed failure count.

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.

200 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 46 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.

9 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 46 parameters).

Other monitored substances 18 parameters

Ammonium (ammonia and ammonium ions)

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<0.0387 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: <0.0387 mg NH4/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Benzene

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<0.0808 µg/l

Source reference: 1 µg/l

About this parameter: see the note above this list.

61 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: <0.0808 µg/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 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.

8 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 46 parameters).

Bromate

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<0.686 µg BrO3/l

Source reference: 10 µg BrO3/l

About this parameter: see the note above this list.

8 samples · Range: <0.640 to <1.01 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: <0.686 µg BrO3/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Residual chlorine - Total

No numerical limit supplied

Published mean

1.00 mg/l

Source reference:

About this parameter: see the note above this list.

200 samples · Range: 0.54 to 1.42 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: 1.00 mg/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Colony counts after 3 days at 22 deg C

No numerical limit supplied

Published mean

0 number/1ml

Source reference:

About this parameter: see the note above this list.

74 samples · Range: 0 to 25 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: 0 number/1ml.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 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.

9 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 46 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.

61 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 46 parameters).

1,2-dichloroethane

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<0.157 µg/l

Source reference: 3 µg/l

About this parameter: see the note above this list.

62 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: <0.157 µg/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Nitrite

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<0.0085 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: <0.0085 mg NO2/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Nitrate

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<2.21 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: <2.04 to 2.57 mg NO3/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: Nitrate. Original mean: <2.21 mg NO3/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

(Nitrate)/50 plus (nitrite)/3

Mean at or below the source limit

Published mean

0.0322 mg/l

Source reference: 1 mg/l

About this parameter: see the note above this list.

10 samples · Range: 0.0160 to 0.0520 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: 0.0322 mg/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 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.

75 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 46 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.

8 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 46 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.

74 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 46 parameters).

Tetrachloromethane

Reported upper bound at or below the limit

Published mean

<0.541 µg/l

Source reference: 3 µg/l

About this parameter: see the note above this list.

9 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: <0.541 µg/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 parameters).

Trihalomethanes - Total

Mean at or below the source limit

Published mean

26.8 µg/l

Source reference: 100 µg/l

About this parameter: see the note above this list.

9 samples · Range: 19.7 to 35.8 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: 26.8 µg/l.

Source note: printed once above this list (the same note appears on 46 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.

9 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 46 parameters).

Sources, dates and how to interpret this page
Reporting period
Rolling 12 months; updated 2026-09-11
Source retrieved
2026-09-13
Last verified source check
2026-09-13
Original publication
United Utilities report ↗

Official supplier report for this supply zone, retrieved with postcode M1 1AD. 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: 71 samples · reported range 18 to 42 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 Manchester

Is the water in Manchester hard or soft?

Soft. United Utilities’ report for Rolling 12 months; updated 11 September 2026 gives total hardness of 28 mg/l as calcium carbonate for the Broughton supply area. That is the area returned for the example postcode M1 1AD; supply can differ by address, so check your full postcode.

Who supplies water in Manchester?

United Utilities supplies the example postcode M1 1AD (Broughton supply area). Other addresses may differ: check your full postcode or use United Utilities’ water quality information.

Do I need a water softener in Manchester?

At 28 mg/l as calcium carbonate, near the bottom of the soft band (up to 100 mg/l), water leaves little limescale. That is about 1.6 °dH or 2.0 Clark degrees, units many appliance manuals use, so check your dishwasher setting. A softener is not normally needed to reduce scale.

How up to date is the water information for Manchester?

Hardness and water-quality results both come from United Utilities’ rolling summary (12 months, updated 11 September 2026). These are area summaries, not live tests of your tap; see the original United Utilities report.