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 what is 'hard water'?

Hard water is formed when rainwater passes through chalk and limestone rocks, absorbing calcium and magnesium minerals.

In an estimated 60% of UK homes, the mains water supply is 'hard', with Eastern, Central and Southern UK water defined as 'hard to very hard', due to the geology of these regions.

The minerals contained in hard water settle out as a deposit of hardness scale, wherever the water is heated or when cold standing water evaporates. Examples of this include; white marks, stains and scale on sinks, baths, toilet bowls and around the base of taps, blocked shower heads, scale deposits on kettles and water heating elements and clogging of pipe work.

hard water map

 

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