Tap water quality in Norwich

Norwich has very hard water (~350 mg/L CaCO₃), supplied and treated to UK drinking water standards.

Supplied by Anglian Water · Norwich 014C · Based on DWI laboratory analysis

Nitrates

35.22mg/L

Chlorine

0.61mg/L

Lead

0.33µg/L

Fluoride

0.20mg/L

Water hardness

Estimated

Estimated: Very Hard (~350 mg/L CaCO₃)

Based on the chalk geology in Norfolk. Lab-tested data for this specific supply zone is not yet available.

Your area is likely to have 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

35.22 mg/L

PCV / limit: 50 mg/L

Chlorine

0.61 mg/L

No UK limit · WHO guideline 5 mg/L

Fluoride

0.20 mg/L

PCV / limit: 1.5 mg/L

Lead

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

Nitrates in Norwich

35.22 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 Norwich

0.33 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 Norwich

0.20 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 Norwich

0.61 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 Norwich

At around 350 mg/L CaCO₃, Norwich 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.

Hard water and skin — what the research says →

Common questions about Norwich tap water

Is Norwich tap water safe to drink?

Norwich tap water is supplied by Anglian Water and is treated to UK drinking water standards. Our latest DWI figures show nitrates at 35.22 mg/L and lead at 0.33 µg/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 Norwich hard or soft water?

Norwich has hard water. It measures very hard (~350 mg/L CaCO₃), which is classed as very 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 Norwich?

Water hardness in Norwich is very hard (~350 mg/L CaCO₃) — very hard. 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 Norwich?

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

Sewage spills in Norwich

Official Environment Agency storm overflow data near the town centre.

Check your postcode

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