Water hardness in Keighley
48 mg/L soft
Tap water in Keighley is soft: 48 mg/L (2.8 gpg · 2.7 °dH · 4.8 °fH).
Source: Yorkshire Water — domestic drinking water quality (Stream open data, CC BY) (2026-10) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 42–58 mg/L.
The tap water in Keighley comes from Yorkshire Water, which draws on moorland reservoirs in the west, rivers, and boreholes that are concentrated in the east of the region. Reported hardness is 48.4 mg/L CaCO₃, ranging from 41.6 to 57.7 mg/L between supply zones. Reservoir water from moorland catchments carries little dissolved calcium, which keeps the water soft; scale is modest in kettles and showers, and most households manage without a softener.
UK suppliers report mg/L CaCO₃ and often Clark degrees (1 °Clark = 14.25 mg/L).
Water data
| Total hardness | 48 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Yorkshire Water |
How Keighley compares
- Tap water in Keighley is 74 % softer than the median of the 471 cities we track in the United Kingdom (185 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 396 of 471 in the United Kingdom (1 = hardest); 16 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Bradford it is number 14 of 16 cities; the regional median is 54 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Low Bradley, 9 km away (19 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Wilsden, 6 km away (67 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United Kingdom →
What it means at home
- Little or no limescale in kettles, water heaters or washing machines.
- Soap lathers easily; water does not dry skin or hair.
- Dishwasher: salt setting at minimum or off.
- No softener needed; a jug filter only changes taste.
How much salt will you use for softening?
No. Water this soft does not need softening.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 6 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Keighley
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H00 |
| Miele | 3 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 1 |
| Beko | 1st |
| Hoover | S0 |
| LG | H0 |
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 Keighley water hard or soft?
It is soft: 48 mg/L as CaCO₃ (2.8 gpg, 2.7 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Keighley 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 Keighley water?
2.8 gpg, equal to 2.7 °dH, 4.8 °fH or 48 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Keighley?
For 48 mg/L (2.7 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 0–1, usually no salt.
Do I need a water softener in Keighley?
No. With soft water a softener adds nothing.
Source
Source: Yorkshire Water — domestic drinking water quality (Stream open data, CC BY) (2026-10). Method: own measurement. Yorkshire Water — domestic drinking water quality (Stream open data, CC BY) · Outdated figure? Tell us