Water Hardness and Quality in Reading Central

Supplied by Thames Water · Reading Central (R31)

Average

Reading Central has very hard water with quality that meets all UK drinking water standards.

Check a specific postcode in Reading Central

Water Quality Scorecard

Total Hardness

Guideline: 150+ mg/l is considered hard

313mg/l CaCO₃
UK Average: 197.72 mg/l CaCO₃Well Above Average
LowAverageHigh

pH Level

UK Standard: 6.5 – 9.5

7.3pH units
UK Average: 7.43 pH unitsBelow Average
LowAverageHigh

Free Chlorine

Guideline: below 1 mg/l

0.4mg/l
UK Average: 0.45 mg/lAverage
LowAverageHigh

Nitrate

UK Standard: max 50 mg/l

29mg/l
UK Average: 16.9 mg/lWell Above Average
LowAverageHigh

Lead

UK Standard: max 10 µg/l

2.2µg/l
UK Average: 1.08 µg/lWell Above Average
LowAverageHigh

Fluoride

UK Standard: max 1.5 mg/l

0.14mg/l
UK Average: 0.19 mg/lAbove Average
LowAverageHigh

Water Hardness in Reading Central

Hardness is the most searched water quality metric. It affects limescale buildup in kettles, boilers, and pipes.

313mg/l CaCO₃Very Hard
Soft
Mod. Soft
Slightly Hard
Mod. Hard
Hard
Very Hard

Reading Central has hard water at 313 mg/l. You will likely experience significant limescale buildup in kettles, boilers, and on bathroom surfaces. Many residents in your area use water softeners or anti-limescale products.

Water Source Information

Water Company
Thames Water
Supply Zone
Reading Central (R31)
Source Type
Mixed
Treatment Works
Reading Central Treatment Works
Last Tested
2025-12-31
Data Source
Thames Water

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Reading Central?
Yes, Reading Central has hard water at 313 mg/l CaCO₃. This is classified as "Very Hard" on the standard scale. You may notice limescale buildup in kettles and on taps.
Is Reading Central tap water safe to drink?
Yes, tap water in Reading Central is safe to drink. It is treated and tested by Thames Water and meets all UK Drinking Water Inspectorate standards. All tested parameters are within regulatory limits.
What is the water hardness in Reading Central?
The water hardness in Reading Central is 313 mg/l CaCO₃, which is classified as "Very Hard". This is above the UK national average of 170 mg/l.
Who supplies water to Reading Central?
Water in Reading Central is supplied by Thames Water, which serves the London and Thames Valley region. The water comes from mixed sources and is treated at Reading Central Treatment Works.
Disclaimer: Water quality data is sourced from Thames Water and may not reflect real-time conditions. For health or medical decisions, please contact Thames Water directly or consult the Drinking Water Inspectorate at dwi.gov.uk. Data last updated: 2025-12-31.