READING is among the worst places for limescale levels, figures from home products manufacturer HG show.
A survey was conducted into which parts of the UK had the hardest water and found that Reading was among the top ten.
Ipswich tops the list as the UK city with the hardest water, with 378 parts per million (ppm), followed by Norwich, Sunderland, St Albans, and Bury St Edmunds, from second to fifth respectively.
Stevenage, Basildon, and Colchester ranked in sixth, seventh, and eighth respectively, with Reading taking ninth place at 329ppm.
Chelmsford placed tenth.
Meanwhile Scotland, Wales, and Yorkshire were the regions with the softest water overall.
Hard water is water with a high mineral content, often primarily calcium and magnesium, which, while not harmful to health, can cause problems in the home.
It leads to the build-up of limescale in appliances such as kettles, dishwashers, and washing machines, as well as boilers and pipes.
Limescale in pipes can reduce water pressure and cause leaks, meaning it can be a costly problem to repair if it leads to issues.
It also causes difficulty when washing, as it can affect hair and cause dry skin.
According to British Water, even a thin 1mm layer of limescale on heating elements can drive up energy consumption by 7-10%, adding an estimated £150-£300 to annual energy bills for a typical household.
As well as specifically-designed products for limescale, such as those made by HG, the company also recommends a number of ways to keep household items free from build-up.
Showerheads, for example, can be left to soak in hot water and limescale remover before a thorough rinse.
Cola can also be used to lift limescale from toilets if left in overnight, and a cloth soaked in buttermilk can be left on other surfaces with deposits overnight
John Zentveld, Senior Product Specialist at HG, said: “Many parts of the UK experience very hard water, we’ve seen firsthand how persistent limescale can pose various challenges for households. However, it is a problem that varies dramatically by region.
“That’s why we’ve developed several products specifically designed to tackle even the toughest limescale build-up—because a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work when it comes to the many ways limescale can affect the home.”
“At HG, we’re passionate about helping people keep their homes running smoothly and efficiently.
“Our expert advice and specially formulated solutions help homeowners extend the lifespan of their appliances, cut down on energy waste, and maintain a sparkling home environment, no matter how hard their water is.”
More information is available via: hg.eu/uk/info
