'Luton in top 10 towns for hardest water in the UK' says new research

Luton officially has some of the hardest water in the UK according to the findings of new national research.

The 2020 UK Hard Water Index, compiled by Harvey Water Softeners, found that Luton featured in the top ten of all towns and cities in the UK when based on the latest milligrams of calcium carbonate per litre levels for each area.

At 309mg per litre, Luton’s water supply was ranked 9th in the study. The hardest water in the UK was found in Ipswich (368mg per litre), followed by St Albans in second place at 342mg per litre and in third place, Stevenage at 334mg/l.

Conversely, the softest water in the UK was found in Edinburgh (23mg/l).

Luton's hard water is due its close proximity to limestone and chalky rock in the region. When water percolates through these types of rock, it increases its calcium carbonate levels meaning the majority of the UK’s hard water areas can be found in the south and eastern areas of the country.

Tony Jones, General Manager at Harvey Water Softeners, said: “While many people often refer to how the hardness of water can affect its taste, it’s actually the other implications of hard water on the home and to lives in general that are greater causes for concern.

“If you have moved to Luton from elsewhere, particularly from the north or west, you may have noticed it’s harder to give your home that shiny finish when cleaning and this is typically due to the limescale and scum caused as a result of hard water.

"It can even affect how you wash your hair, clean your car and how you ensure your skin feels moisturised throughout the day!”

The results of the study can be seen here.