Tap water quality in Brighton
Brighton has hard water (274 mg/L CaCO₃), supplied and treated to UK drinking water standards.
Supplied by Southern Water · Southern Water E01016952 · Based on DWI laboratory analysis
Nitrates
35.80mg/L
Chlorine
0.70mg/L
Lead
0.06µg/L
Water hardness
274 mg/L CaCO₃
Hard
Your area has hard water. This can affect skin conditions and cause limescale buildup.
Parents: nitrate levels are elevated
Consider a filter rated for nitrates when preparing infant formula, and follow NHS guidance on boiling water.
How readings compare to limits
Nitrates
35.80 mg/L
PCV / limit: 50 mg/L
Chlorine
0.70 mg/L
No UK limit · WHO guideline 5 mg/L
Lead
0.06 µg/L
PCV / limit: 10 µg/L
Hardness (as CaCO₃)
274 mg/L CaCO₃
Hard
What these readings mean
UK drinking water is regulated under the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016, which set a prescribed concentration value (PCV) for each substance. Southern Water must sample against these and report the results to the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
Nitrates in Brighton
35.80 mg/L·UK limit 50 mg/L
Nitrates come mainly from agricultural fertiliser and sewage reaching groundwater. Healthy adults process them without difficulty; the limit exists principally to protect bottle-fed infants under six months.
Lead in Brighton
0.06 µg/L·UK limit 10 µg/L
Water leaves the treatment works lead-free. Any lead is picked up from the pipework between the main and your tap, so the reading depends heavily on your own property — pre-1970 homes are the ones worth checking.
Chlorine in Brighton
0.70 mg/L·UK limit no statutory limit
Added as a disinfectant and required to remain present through the network to keep water safe in transit. Typically 0.2–0.5 mg/L at the tap. A noticeable taste is usually harmless and fades if water stands in a covered jug.
Living with hard water in Brighton
At 274 mg/L CaCO₃, Brighton sits firmly in the hard water band. Hardness is dissolved calcium and magnesium picked up as water passes through chalk and limestone. It is not a health risk — the minerals are the same ones found in food — but it has practical consequences.
- Limescale. Kettles, showerheads and heating elements scale up faster. Descaling every few months keeps appliances efficient.
- Skin. Some people with eczema find hard water aggravates symptoms, though the evidence on softeners as a treatment is mixed rather than settled.
- Soap and detergent. Hard water needs more of both to lather, which is why dishwasher salt exists.
Common questions about Brighton tap water
Is Brighton tap water safe to drink?
Brighton tap water is supplied by Southern Water and is treated to UK drinking water standards. Our latest figures show nitrates at 35.80 mg/L, lead at 0.06 µg/L and chlorine at 0.70 mg/L, with nitrates elevated enough to be worth noting if you are preparing infant formula. Readings vary by supply zone, so check your exact postcode.
Is Brighton hard or soft water?
Brighton has hard water. Lab results put hardness at 274 mg/L CaCO₃, which is classed as hard on the UK scale.
What is the water hardness in Brighton?
Water hardness in Brighton is hard (274 mg/L CaCO₃). Above roughly 200 mg/L you can expect limescale in kettles and appliances, and some people find hard water aggravates dry skin.
Who supplies the tap water in Brighton?
Tap water in Brighton is supplied by Southern Water. They are responsible for treatment, distribution and the laboratory testing reported to the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
Sewage spills in Brighton
Official Environment Agency storm overflow data near the town centre.
Check your postcode
Look up any UK address for lab results and nearby overflows.