Tap water quality in Hastings
Hastings has soft water (87 mg/L CaCO₃), and all tested parameters are within UK drinking water limits.
Supplied by Southern Water · Southern Water E01020976 · Based on DWI laboratory analysis
Nitrates
2.91mg/L
Chlorine
0.32mg/L
Lead
0.04µg/L
Water hardness
87 mg/L CaCO₃
Soft
All tested parameters are within safe drinking water limits
For the analytes shown, reported values are within UK drinking water standards. This does not replace your supplier's formal water quality report.
How readings compare to limits
Nitrates
2.91 mg/L
PCV / limit: 50 mg/L
Chlorine
0.32 mg/L
No UK limit · WHO guideline 5 mg/L
Lead
0.04 µg/L
PCV / limit: 10 µg/L
Hardness (as CaCO₃)
87 mg/L CaCO₃
Soft
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 Hastings
2.91 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 Hastings
0.04 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 Hastings
0.32 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.
Common questions about Hastings tap water
Is Hastings tap water safe to drink?
Yes. Hastings tap water is supplied by Southern Water and every parameter we hold (nitrates 2.91 mg/L, lead 0.04 µg/L and chlorine 0.32 mg/L) falls within UK drinking water standards set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate. Readings vary by supply zone, so check your exact postcode for local results.
Is Hastings hard or soft water?
Hastings has soft water. Lab results put hardness at 87 mg/L CaCO₃, which is classed as soft on the UK scale.
What is the water hardness in Hastings?
Water hardness in Hastings is soft (87 mg/L CaCO₃). At this level limescale is not usually a problem.
Who supplies the tap water in Hastings?
Tap water in Hastings is supplied by Southern Water. They are responsible for treatment, distribution and the laboratory testing reported to the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
Sewage spills in Hastings
Official Environment Agency storm overflow data near the town centre.
Check your postcode
Look up any UK address for lab results and nearby overflows.