Water hardness in Bridgwater
106 mg/L moderately hard
Tap water in Bridgwater is moderately hard: 106 mg/L (6.2 gpg · 5.9 °dH · 10.6 °fH).
Source: Wessex Water — domestic drinking water quality (Stream open data, CC BY) (2025-12) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 42–150 mg/L.
Bridgwater is supplied by Wessex Water, which says about 80% of its water comes from groundwater in Wiltshire and Dorset (aquifers in chalk, limestone and sandstone) and the rest from impounding reservoirs in Somerset. Reported hardness is 106.0 mg/L CaCO₃, ranging from 42.0 to 149.8 mg/L between supply zones. This area's supply includes surface-water sources, so it is softer than the chalk and limestone groundwater elsewhere in the company's area; at this level scale forms steadily on heating elements and taps; a dishwasher salt setting and occasional descaling are sensible.
UK suppliers report mg/L CaCO₃ and often Clark degrees (1 °Clark = 14.25 mg/L).
Water data
| Total hardness | 106 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Wessex Water |
How Bridgwater compares
- Tap water in Bridgwater is 43 % softer than the median of the 471 cities we track in the United Kingdom (185 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 316 of 471 in the United Kingdom (1 = hardest); 33 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Sedgemoor it is number 2 of 4 cities; the regional median is 77 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: North Petherton, 4 km away (42 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Nether Stowey, 11 km away (172 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United Kingdom →
What it means at home
- Visible kettle scale every few weeks; vinegar or citric acid is enough.
- Water heater and washing machine: some long-term scale; a scale inhibitor slows it.
- Dishwasher: medium salt setting.
- Softener optional; pays off mainly with a gas boiler or tankless heater.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Optional. A scale inhibitor or a small softener protects the heater; soap savings are modest.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 3 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Bridgwater
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 6 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H1 |
From each brand's manual for the model family named in the source; your model may differ, so check its manual. All brands and how to change the setting →
FAQ
Is Bridgwater water hard or soft?
It is moderately hard: 106 mg/L as CaCO₃ (6.2 gpg, 5.9 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Bridgwater safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. UK suppliers report mg/L CaCO₃ and often Clark degrees (1 °Clark = 14.25 mg/L).
How many grains per gallon is Bridgwater water?
6.2 gpg, equal to 5.9 °dH, 10.6 °fH or 106 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Bridgwater?
For 106 mg/L (5.9 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 2–3.
Do I need a water softener in Bridgwater?
Not essential; a scale inhibitor protects the heater cheaply.
Source
Source: Wessex Water — domestic drinking water quality (Stream open data, CC BY) (2025-12). Method: own measurement. Wessex Water — domestic drinking water quality (Stream open data, CC BY) · Outdated figure? Tell us