Hemel Hempstead households face colossal levels of limescale

Hemel Hempstead households could be generating up to 4,196 tonnes of limescale per year due to the hard water in the area, according to new analysis from Harvey Water Softeners.

Around 13 million homes in the UK are in hard water regions, with almost 60,000 in Hemel Hempstead.

In these areas, an average family of four can accumulate 70kg of limescale every year.

The 2020 UK Hard Water Index, compiled by Harvey Water Softeners, found that Hemel Hempstead featured in the top fifteen of all towns and cities in the UK when based on the latest milligrams of calcium carbonate per litre levels for each area – the metric used to measure the severity of hard water.

The hardness in the water is due to Hemel Hempstead’s close proximity to limestone and chalky rock in the region.

Limescale deposits within a heating system can cause blockages in pipework and boilers, with estimates suggesting that a yearly build-up of 1.6mm of limescale within a heating system is enough to reduce your heating efficiency by 12 per cent.

Water softeners limit the accumulation of scale and scum in essential appliances, with recent research finding that softened water preserves the lifespan of boilers by maintaining 100 percent efficiency over a simulated 15-year life span.

As well as increasing the efficiency of household appliances, and delivering cost savings for homeowners, soft water also combines more effectively with soap and washing detergents to create a proper lather and leads to healthier hair and smoother skin.

Tony Jones, General Manager at Harvey Water Softeners, said: “Hard water can be a silent menace in the home. It causes unwanted limescale which clogs up the inside of your appliances and makes surfaces appear unclean.

"As people are spending more time at home than ever before, it is important to shine a light on the benefits of a water softener for households: longer lasting appliances, cheaper bills, and a shinier home.

“A Harvey Water Softener can allow households to worry less about excessive cleaning and faulty home appliances, giving them freedom to spend money and energy where it may be most needed during this time.”