Tap water quality in Nottingham
Nottingham is estimated to have hard water (~250 mg/L CaCO₃), supplied and treated to UK drinking water standards.
Supplied by Severn Trent Water · Severn Trent E01035506 · Based on DWI laboratory analysis
Nitrates
32.50mg/L
Chlorine
0.23mg/L
Lead
0.10µg/L
Fluoride
0.12mg/L
Water hardness
EstimatedEstimated: Hard (~250 mg/L CaCO₃)
Based on typical regional geology in Nottinghamshire (often limestone or similar). 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
32.50 mg/L
PCV / limit: 50 mg/L
Chlorine
0.23 mg/L
No UK limit · WHO guideline 5 mg/L
Fluoride
0.12 mg/L
PCV / limit: 1.5 mg/L
Lead
0.10 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. Severn Trent Water must sample against these and report the results to the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
Nitrates in Nottingham
32.50 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 Nottingham
0.10 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 Nottingham
0.12 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 Nottingham
0.23 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 Nottingham
Nottingham's water is estimated at around 250 mg/L CaCO₃ from local geology, which would put it 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 Nottingham tap water
Is Nottingham tap water safe to drink?
Nottingham tap water is supplied by Severn Trent Water and is treated to UK drinking water standards. Our latest figures show nitrates at 32.50 mg/L, lead at 0.10 µg/L, fluoride at 0.12 mg/L and chlorine at 0.23 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 Nottingham hard or soft water?
Nottingham is estimated to have hard water. Based on local geology, hardness is estimated at around 250 mg/L CaCO₃, which would be classed as hard on the UK scale. Lab CaCO₃ data for the supply zone is not yet published.
What is the water hardness in Nottingham?
Water hardness in Nottingham is estimated at around 250 mg/L CaCO₃ (hard), based on local geology. 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 Nottingham?
Tap water in Nottingham is supplied by Severn Trent Water. They are responsible for treatment, distribution and the laboratory testing reported to the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
Sewage spills in Nottingham
Official Environment Agency storm overflow data near the town centre.
Check your postcode
Look up any UK address for lab results and nearby overflows.