Water hardness in Leeds
136 mg/L hard
Tap water in Leeds is hard: 136 mg/L (7.9 gpg · 7.6 °dH · 13.6 °fH).
Source: Yorkshire Water — domestic drinking water quality (Stream open data, CC BY) (2026-10) · data checked 2026-10-19
Range across supply zones: 113–169 mg/L.
Leeds is supplied by Yorkshire Water, whose supply comes from a mix of upland reservoirs, rivers and boreholes; the company says water in the west comes off the moors while the east relies mostly on boreholes and groundwater. Reported hardness is 135.6 mg/L CaCO₃, ranging from 112.9 to 169.3 mg/L between supply zones. The harder supply reflects borehole and groundwater sources, which pick up calcium and magnesium from the rock; expect visible limescale on taps, kettles and in boilers; a softener or scale inhibitor is worth considering, especially for hot-water systems.
UK suppliers report mg/L CaCO₃ and often Clark degrees (1 °Clark = 14.25 mg/L).
Water data
| Total hardness | 136 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Yorkshire Water |
How Leeds compares
- Tap water in Leeds is 27 % softer than the median of the 471 cities we track in the United Kingdom (185 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 292 of 471 in the United Kingdom (1 = hardest); 38 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Leeds it is number 6 of 13 cities; the regional median is 134 mg/L.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Gildersome, 7 km away (93 mg/L).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Swillington, 9 km away (275 mg/L).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in the United Kingdom →
What it means at home
- Fast scale on taps, shower screens and kettle; white spots on glassware.
- Water heater: efficiency loss and element failures within years if unprotected.
- Dry skin and dull hair after showering are common.
- Softener recommended; jug or reverse osmosis for drinking.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Recommended, especially with a heater or boiler: scale cuts efficiency and shortens its life.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 2 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Leeds
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H01 |
| Miele | 8 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 2 |
| Beko | 2nd |
| Hoover | S1 |
| LG | H2 |
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 Leeds water hard or soft?
It is hard: 136 mg/L as CaCO₃ (7.9 gpg, 7.6 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Leeds 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 Leeds water?
7.9 gpg, equal to 7.6 °dH, 13.6 °fH or 136 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Leeds?
For 136 mg/L (7.6 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: level 4–5.
Do I need a water softener in Leeds?
Recommended if you have a water heater, boiler or tankless unit: it saves repairs and detergent.
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