Tap water quality in Sheffield

Sheffield has soft water (90 mg/L CaCO₃), and all tested parameters are within UK drinking water limits.

Supplied by Yorkshire Water · Yorkshire Water E01033264 · Based on DWI laboratory analysis

Nitrates

3.98mg/L

Chlorine

0.56mg/L

Lead

0.42µg/L

Fluoride

0.06mg/L

Water hardness

90 mg/L CaCO₃

Soft

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

3.98 mg/L

PCV / limit: 50 mg/L

Chlorine

0.56 mg/L

No UK limit · WHO guideline 5 mg/L

Fluoride

0.06 mg/L

PCV / limit: 1.5 mg/L

Lead

0.42 µg/L

PCV / limit: 10 µg/L

Hardness (as CaCO₃)

90 mg/L CaCO₃

Soft

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 Sheffield

3.98 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 Sheffield

0.42 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 Sheffield

0.06 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 Sheffield

0.56 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 Sheffield tap water

Is Sheffield tap water safe to drink?

Yes. Sheffield tap water is supplied by Yorkshire Water and every parameter we hold (nitrates 3.98 mg/L, lead 0.42 µg/L, fluoride 0.06 mg/L and chlorine 0.56 mg/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 Sheffield hard or soft water?

Sheffield has soft water. Lab results put hardness at 90 mg/L CaCO₃, which is classed as soft on the UK scale.

What is the water hardness in Sheffield?

Water hardness in Sheffield is soft (90 mg/L CaCO₃). At this level limescale is not usually a problem.

Who supplies the tap water in Sheffield?

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

Sewage spills in Sheffield

Official Environment Agency storm overflow data near the town centre.

Check your postcode

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