Tap water quality in Leeds

Leeds has moderately hard water (~150 mg/L CaCO₃), and all tested parameters are within UK drinking water limits.

Supplied by Yorkshire Water · Yorkshire Water E01033016 · Based on DWI laboratory analysis

Nitrates

—mg/L

Chlorine

0.85mg/L

Lead

—µg/L

Fluoride

—mg/L

Water hardness

Estimated

Estimated: Moderate (~150 mg/L CaCO₃)

Based on typical regional geology in West Yorkshire. Lab-tested data for this specific supply zone is not yet available.

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

ND

Not found in local samples · area average is within limits

PCV / limit: 50 mg/L

Chlorine

0.85 mg/L

No UK limit · WHO guideline 5 mg/L

Fluoride

ND

Not found in local samples · area average is within limits

PCV / limit: 1.5 mg/L

Lead

ND

Not found in local samples · area average is within limits

PCV / limit: 10 µg/L

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. Yorkshire Water must sample against these and report the results to the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

Nitrates in Leeds

— 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 Leeds

— 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.

Fluoride in Leeds

— mg/L·UK limit 1.5 mg/L

Occurs naturally in some groundwater and is deliberately added in a minority of UK supply areas. Around 10% of England receives a fluoridated supply.

Chlorine in Leeds

0.85 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 Leeds tap water

Is Leeds tap water safe to drink?

Yes. Leeds tap water is supplied by Yorkshire Water and every parameter we hold — nitrates — mg/L, lead — µg/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 Leeds hard or soft water?

Leeds has soft water. It measures moderately hard (~150 mg/L CaCO₃), which is classed as moderately hard on the UK scale. This is estimated from local geology where lab CaCO₃ data for the supply zone is not yet published.

What is the water hardness in Leeds?

Water hardness in Leeds is moderately hard (~150 mg/L CaCO₃) — moderately hard. At this level limescale is not usually a problem.

Who supplies the tap water in Leeds?

Tap water in Leeds is supplied by Yorkshire Water. They are responsible for treatment, distribution and the laboratory testing reported to the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

Sewage spills in Leeds

Official Environment Agency storm overflow data near the town centre.

Check your postcode

Look up any UK address for lab results and nearby overflows.