Tap water quality in Reading
Reading has very hard water (316 mg/L CaCO₃), supplied and treated to UK drinking water standards.
Supplied by Thames Water · Reading Central · Based on DWI laboratory analysis
Nitrates
31.40mg/L
Chlorine
0.53mg/L
Lead
1.10µg/L
Fluoride
0.14mg/L
Water hardness
316 mg/L CaCO₃
Very hard
Your area has 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
31.40 mg/L
PCV / limit: 50 mg/L
Chlorine
0.53 mg/L
No UK limit · WHO guideline 5 mg/L
Fluoride
0.14 mg/L
PCV / limit: 1.5 mg/L
Lead
1.10 µg/L
PCV / limit: 10 µg/L
Hardness (as CaCO₃)
316 mg/L CaCO₃
Very hard
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. Thames Water must sample against these and report the results to the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
Nitrates in Reading
31.40 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 Reading
1.10 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 Reading
0.14 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 Reading
0.53 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 Reading
At 316 mg/L CaCO₃, Reading 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.
- 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 Reading tap water
Is Reading tap water safe to drink?
Reading tap water is supplied by Thames Water and is treated to UK drinking water standards. Our latest figures show nitrates at 31.40 mg/L, lead at 1.10 µg/L, fluoride at 0.14 mg/L and chlorine at 0.53 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 Reading hard or soft water?
Reading has hard water. Lab results put hardness at 316 mg/L CaCO₃, which is classed as very hard on the UK scale.
What is the water hardness in Reading?
Water hardness in Reading is very hard (316 mg/L CaCO₃). 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 Reading?
Tap water in Reading is supplied by Thames Water. They are responsible for treatment, distribution and the laboratory testing reported to the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
Sewage spills in Reading
Official Environment Agency storm overflow data near the town centre.
Check your postcode
Look up any UK address for lab results and nearby overflows.