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Environment
Water Hardness Levels
Dumbryden Drive, Edinburgh, Midlothian
EH14 2QR City of Edinburgh
Understanding water hardness and quality in your area
Curious about the water hardness levels in EH14 2QR area? Learn what the mineral content means for your home and appliances. Find out how it could impact your daily life and what you can do to manage it effectively.
Water hardness in the EH14 2QR postcode area has been recorded as having:
Moderately Soft Water
Observations
051-100 ppm: Moderately Soft – This water is slightly higher in minerals but still gentle on plumbing and appliances. You might need a little more soap for a good lather.
What does this mean?
*Water hardness is measured in milligrams per litre (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm) of calcium carbonate (CaCO2). This tells you how much calcium and magnesium is present in the water.
In the UK, you'll often see water hardness expressed in degrees:
Degrees Clarke (°Cl)
This is a British measure where one degree Clarke is equivalent to 1 part of calcium carbonate per 70,000 parts of water.
These measures give you an idea of how "hard" or "soft" the water is, with higher numbers indicating harder water, which means more calcium and magnesium. If you ever get your water hardness tested, the results will likely be in one of these units.
Hardness/Softness Levels
Moderately Soft Water
Impact
Similar to soft water, moderately soft water is still quite gentle but may require a bit more soap and detergent for effective cleaning. The risk of limescale is minimal, but it can start to appear over time, particularly in appliances that heat water.
What to Know
Households and businesses won't need to take special measures, but periodic checks for early signs of limescale can be beneficial. This level of hardness is still generally easy to manage.
How to reduce water hardness in your home
Understanding water hardness/softness levels helps you manage the impact of water on your home or business and choose the right water treatment solutions if necessary.
Reducing water hardness in your home can significantly improve the lifespan of appliances, reduce energy costs, and make cleaning easier. One of the most effective ways to manage hard water is by installing a water softener. These systems work by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions, which cause hardness, with sodium ions, effectively "softening" the water before it enters your home's plumbing.
For those looking for a less permanent solution, water conditioners can really help. These devices don’t remove the minerals but alter their structure, preventing them from forming limescale. Alternatively, you can add water softening tablets or salt to your washing machine to help protect clothes and your machine from the effects of hard water.
For smaller appliances, like kettles and coffee machines, regular descaling with vinegar, citric acid, or a commercial descaler can prevent limescale build-up in the long run.
