Tap water quality in Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne has soft water (~50 mg/L CaCO₃), and all tested parameters are within UK drinking water limits.
Supplied by Northumbrian Water · Northumbrian Water E01008397 · Based on DWI laboratory analysis
Nitrates
3.75mg/L
Chlorine
0.63mg/L
Lead
0.07µg/L
Fluoride
0.58mg/L
Water hardness
EstimatedEstimated: Soft (~50 mg/L CaCO₃)
Based on typical regional geology in Tyne and Wear. 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
3.75 mg/L
PCV / limit: 50 mg/L
Chlorine
0.63 mg/L
No UK limit · WHO guideline 5 mg/L
Fluoride
0.58 mg/L
PCV / limit: 1.5 mg/L
Lead
0.07 µg/L
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. Northumbrian Water must sample against these and report the results to the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
Nitrates in Newcastle upon Tyne
3.75 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 Newcastle upon Tyne
0.07 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 Newcastle upon Tyne
0.58 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 Newcastle upon Tyne
0.63 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 Newcastle upon Tyne tap water
Is Newcastle upon Tyne tap water safe to drink?
Yes. Newcastle upon Tyne tap water is supplied by Northumbrian Water and every parameter we hold — nitrates 3.75 mg/L, lead 0.07 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 Newcastle upon Tyne hard or soft water?
Newcastle upon Tyne has soft water. It measures soft (~50 mg/L CaCO₃), which is classed as soft 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?
Water hardness in Newcastle upon Tyne is soft (~50 mg/L CaCO₃) — soft. At this level limescale is not usually a problem.
Who supplies the tap water in Newcastle upon Tyne?
Tap water in Newcastle upon Tyne is supplied by Northumbrian Water. They are responsible for treatment, distribution and the laboratory testing reported to the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
Water testing in Newcastle upon Tyne
What Northumbrian Water tests free, and when a paid lab test is worth it.
Sewage spills in Newcastle upon Tyne
Official Environment Agency storm overflow data near the town centre.
Check your postcode
Look up any UK address for lab results and nearby overflows.