London Water Softeners
Searching "London Water Softeners"? It’s no secret that London is well known for its hard water. In fact, London's water has some of the highest levels of calcium and magnesium in the whole of the UK. If you’re new to the term “hard water”, you may be familiar with the effects of hard water including:
Limescale on your taps, blocked shower heads, white deposits on your glassware and surfaces, eczema, dry skin & hair and issues with your boiler and heating system.
With many home owners and renters spending more time working from home - the effects of London's water are becoming more and more prevalent and noticeable. From limescale and boiler breakdowns, to hard water dry skin & brittle hair - the consequences not only present a daily inconvenience, but also lasting damage to your home. Not to mention, costly expenses and repairs.
London Water Hardness Levels & Readings
When measuring hard water, the unit ppm is used - meaning average parts per million. It represents the amount of calcium carbonate per litre levels in your water. The hard water scale reads as: 0-80ppm is classed as soft water, anything over 100ppm is classed as hard water and above 200ppm very hard.
How Hard is my Water? Top 10 Locations in London With the Hardest Water
All of London has notoriously hard water which can be measured between 300- 400ppm, with variations in ppm across the city. The list below highlights the ten hardest location readings in London:
- Epping (CM16) – 370ppm
- High Barnet (EN5) – 347ppm
- Holloway Road (N7) – 338ppm
- Cockfosters (EN4) – 337ppm
- Edgeware (HA8) – 335ppm
- Arnos Grove (N11) – 333ppm
- Stanmore (HA7) – 332ppm
- Rickmansworth (WD3) – 332ppm
- Tottenham Hale (N17) – 332ppm
- Lancaster Gate (W2) – 330ppm
London Hard Water
London and the surrounding counties such as Essex, Surrey, Kent, and Hertfordshire all experience very hard water. If you're in areas like Watford, Chelmsford, Maidstone or Guildford, installing a high-quality Harvey water softener can significantly reduce limescale and improve water quality. You can check our Water Hardness checker for more info on your specific London postcode.
| Location | Typical Hardness (ppm) | Water Hardness Level |
|---|---|---|
| Camden (Central London) | 310 ppm | Very Hard |
| Croydon (South London) | 330 ppm | Very Hard |
| Hackney (East London) | 300 ppm | Hard |
| Richmond (West London) | 360 ppm | Very Hard |
| Islington (North London) | 320 ppm | Very Hard |
| Westminster (Central London) | 340 ppm | Very Hard |
| Chelmsford (Essex) | 370 ppm | Very Hard |
| Romford (East London/Essex border) | 350 ppm | Very Hard |
| Kingston-upon-Thames (Greater London) | 340 ppm | Very Hard |
| Maidstone (Kent) | 360 ppm | Very Hard |
| Guildford (Surrey) | 310 ppm | Very Hard |
| Watford (Hertfordshire) | 330 ppm | Very Hard |
🔍 Data source: Water Quality Reports UK – Updated July 2025
How Can You Estimate or Test the Hardness of Water in Your Area in London?
If you’re curious about the exact hardness level in your part of London, you have a couple of handy options:
- DIY Test Kits: You can pick up a water hardness test kit here. These simple kits let you dip a strip in your tap water for an instant ppm reading—no lab coat required.
- Local Water Supplier Reports: Your local water provider (like Thankes Water ) publishes annual water quality reports, often including specific hardness ranges for different neighbourhoods.
- Online Hardness Maps: Check out our Water Hardness Map and see if your postcode is registered.
With any of these methods, it’s easy to get a clear picture of how “hard” your local H2O really is—so you’ll know if investing in a softener is a smart move.
What is the state of London's water and what factors determine its hardness?
London's water is widely recognised for its high mineral content—especially calcium and magnesium—which leads to very hard water across much of the city and its neighbouring counties. The reason? Most of the water supply journeys through layers of chalk and limestone in the region. These rocks naturally dissolve small amounts of minerals into the water as it percolates underground, ramping up hardness levels by the time the water reaches your tap.
While Thames Water supplies much of central London London, regions on the outskirts—stretching into Essex, Kent, and Surrey—may receive water from other major suppliers like Essex & Suffolk Water, Affinity Water, and South East Water. Regardless of the provider, it’s the geology beneath greater London and the southeast that’s the true game-changer. So, whether you’re in a townhouse in Richmond or a flat in Romford, you’re likely facing similarly stubborn limescale and very hard water thanks to Mother Nature’s rock-solid recipe.
Does water hardness vary throughout London, and where are the hardest and least hard water areas?
Absolutely—the level of water hardness isn’t uniform across London. Even within the city, you’ll find significant differences depending on where you live or work.
Is there a difference in water hardness between North London and South London?
Naturally, no discussion about London’s water would be complete without addressing the classic North versus South question. While most of the capital endures equally stubborn hard water, the numbers suggest a minor difference: North London typically sees hardness levels averaging around 293 ppm, while South London edges slightly higher at about 296 ppm. With both sides of the Thames firmly in the “very hard water” category, any distinction is more trivia than a practical advantage—appliances, pipes, and skin north and south all face the same mineral-rich battle.
To get a clear picture, we compared thousands of water hardness test results, using readings in parts per million (ppm). Anything over 200ppm is considered hard water territory, and all of London's Underground zones comfortably exceed this threshold.
Here’s how it breaks down:
-
Hardest spots:
Areas like Epping (on the Central Line), High Barnet (Northern Line), and Holloway Road (Piccadilly Line) are at the top of the chart, all recording levels well above 330ppm. Epping leads the way—if you’re filling your kettle there, you’ll hit around 370ppm! -
Slightly less hard, but still hard water:
Stations such as Seven Sisters, Warren Street, and London Bridge have lower readings, but they’re still in the hard water club (hovering around 224ppm to 250ppm).
By comparison, cities like Edinburgh see just over 10ppm—that’s practically soft as a marshmallow! But across London, regardless of postcode, you’ll need a robust solution for limescale, as every district deals with hard water in one form or another.
Where Is London’s Softest Water?
Curious about the other end of the scale? London’s softer spots include Seven Sisters (224ppm), Warren Street (250ppm), and London Bridge (250ppm). While these areas have the lowest hardness levels you'll find in the capital, they’re still very hard water readings and firmly in the “hard water” camp—these numbers are well over 200ppm.
Which companies supply water to different regions of London?
While Thames Water is the principal supplier for most of London, several other suppliers operate in specific areas, particularly around the city’s outer zones. These include Affinity Water, Essex & Suffolk Water, and South East Water, each providing coverage to various districts on the outskirts. The exact supplier you’ll have depends on your location within London, so it’s always best to check your address against supplier maps if you’re unsure.
How to Get Rid of Hard Water in London: What Can I Do About Hard Water?
A water softener is the only permanent way to remove hard water.
It is a great investment for home owners, landlords and property developers. A softener can protect new homes and renovations and prevent any limescale damage. How? Well, these systems work by effectively filtering the hard minerals out of your water. By doing so, they prevent limescale and allow only soft water to enter the home.
They can last anything from 10 – 20 years - providing you buy a quality product and product with an extended warranty - such as the Harvey TwinTec.
Top Tip: Beware of water conditioner scams
Eddy descalers, shower head “softeners” and water conditioners, are being marketed more and more to London areas. At just £200, these products seem an appealing and cost-effective choice – but these products do not soften water in the home and they cannot remove hard minerals.
Water descalers and conditioners are NOT water softeners.
They cannot remove the hard water minerals from your water and they do not produce soft water. In slightly hard water areas, these products can help lessen the impact of hard minerals in your pipes. But in London and other very hard water areas, conditioners do not reduce the damaging effects of limescale and they cannot reverse any pre-existing limescale damage. A water softener is the only system that can remove hard water minerals and limescale damage.
London Hard Water Softener Reviews
Nicholas Glynn ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Well packaged and easy to install.
"Bought this Twintec S4 from NE Water Softeners because Harveys don't sell this model direct. Harveys prefer you to buy the ARC from them direct, which (I believe) has exactly the same internals but with a different cabinet, and about £200 to £300 more expensive.
Anyway, delighted with my new S4 which replaces my S1, which has served a 2 person household very well for nearly 20years. As I only live 2miles away from Harveys HQ, NE asked me if I was willing to collect, which I gladly did. Saved a 600mile round trip for my S4. Well packaged and easy to install. All around, well done to NE and Harveys."
Bob Mack ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Luxurious Experience Compared to The STandard Mains Water in South East England.
"Our first TwinTec lasted over 20 years, so I knew how good they were. Giving far higher quality water than economy options. The later models seem to use more salt than earlier ones, but overall are more than worth it for the luxurious experience compared to the standard mains water in South East England. Highly recommended!"
Graham Counte ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Good customer service, good product.
"newatersofteners.co.uk supplied a new twintech S4 at a bargain price. Customer service was excellent and delivery prompt.
Delightful to have soft water again, we live in a hard water area where scaling up of water heaters and the deposits on shower heads etc. are standard fare without a water softener. They pay for themselves with reduced maintenance costs, less consumption of soaps and powders, and far fewer problems with washing machines and plumbing."
John S ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Should have fitted one years ago.
"We live in a very hard water area and fitting this water softener has made a huge difference, should have done it years ago! Showers feel nicer, no more unsightly limescale stains, no more descaling of kettles and appliances. Even car washing is less of a chore, everything is sparkling...
Harvery is a quality product, choosing the TwinTec was a no-brainer.
Easy online ordering and fast delivery. Very pleased, thank you!"
❓London Water Softener FAQs
1. Do you deliver water softeners to London?
Yes — we ship all our water softener models (including Harvey Water Softeners) nationwide, with fast London delivery, usually within 1–2 working days.
2. Can I get installation help in London?
Yes — we have a network of Harvey technicians as well as a list of plumbers in London. We may be able to recommend trusted, WRAS-certified plumbers in the London area. Just contact us and we will try to pass on a local referral.
3. Is London water hard enough to need a softener?
Absolutely. Most of London has very hard water, often exceeding 300–350 ppm. This causes limescale buildup, dry skin, soap scum, and appliance wear — all of which a water softener helps prevent.
4. Which water softener is best for London homes?
Most London homes benefit from a compact, high-efficiency softener like the Harvey TwinTec S4, ideal for high water pressure and limited space. The TwinTec S4 has the same specification as the MiniMax & the Harvey Arc but is the lowest priced system.
5. Do you install water softeners in London flats or apartments?
Yes — we recommend if you live in a rented flat or apartment in London, checking with your landlord. A water softener can be disconnected easily and taken to your next home, but because pipework needs to be altered it is best to confirm with the owner of the property.
6. Will a water softener reduce limescale in London tap water?
Yes — a water softener removes the calcium and magnesium that cause limescale. You’ll notice cleaner showers, glassware, and appliances within days, you'll also notice the water feels different, it lathers with soap and your hair will be silky soft.
7. Can I get soft water even with a London combi boiler?
Yes — all our softeners are fully combi-boiler compatible, and we provide guidance for both DIY and professional installation setups.
Where to find London Water Softeners?
In London a water softener can be found easily online. If you're looking to get the best price and value for money - we recommend purchasing the Harvey TwinTec S4, as it has the exact same specification as more expensive models (including the Harvey Arc). NE Water Softeners are the UK’s and London’s biggest online water softener supplier and are rated 5 stars by London customers.
Top Tip: Avoid high installation prices & packages.
Water softeners can be sourced both on and offline. When buying online, you cut out the middle man and so often get the cheapest price. Often dealerships can charge excess for installation and labour purposes. By sourcing your system online and hiring a local plumber for the install, you can avoid these costs and be sure to get the best price.
Water Softener Installer London: who can install my water softener?
A water softener can be installed by any qualified plumber. The job itself is about as difficult as installing a washing machine and can be done in 2-3 hours. You can hire a local plumber near you to carry out an installation. By purchasing your water softener from NE Water Softeners online, and then paying a plumber an hourly rate – you can save £400-600.
How to find a water softener plumber in London?
Start by asking your friends, family and neighbours for any local recommendations. Don’t can’t find a local plumber? We can help! We have a list of Harvey technicians and referral plumbers in London who you can contact directly to get a price quote for your installation.
Click here to read: find a water softener plumber near me!
The London Water Company: Water Softener Delivery in London
NE Water Softeners are exclusive sellers of Harvey water softeners, supplying London & the UK with the best models.
What is the Best Water Softener for London's Hard Water?
The type of water softener and model you need, depends on how many bathrooms your home has and how many occupants are in the home. The latest models from Harvey which is suitable for the family home is the Harvey TwinTec S4.
Click here to read out Best Water Softener 2025 Review to compare models.
Need more information?
Get free expert advice from our team or download our free water softeners buyers guide. Click here to download our buyers guide.