The Water Dictionary

Tap Water in SA34

Pendine Water Supply ZoneWelsh Water

Tap water in Pendine Water Supply Zone, supplied by Welsh Water, has the character of a blended surface and groundwater supply, with no dominant mineral signature. It's moderately hard, in the upper half of the national range, with a total hardness of 300 mg/L as CaCO₃.


Mineral composition

mg/L
Calcium~102
Magnesium~11
Sodiumawaiting data
Sulfateawaiting data
Chlorideawaiting data
Bicarbonateawaiting data
~ Estimated from hardness and ion balance — not directly measured by the water company.

Additional info

Hardness300 as CaCO₃
Alkalinityawaiting data
pHawaiting data
Conductivityawaiting data
SourceWelsh Water
Data year2024

What this means

Kettle & appliances

Limescale buildup is noticeable and ongoing. Kettles will develop visible deposits within weeks, and heating elements in boilers and washing machines will need periodic attention. A water softener or scale inhibitor is worth considering.

Espresso

This water will scale espresso machines meaningfully. Flavour-wise, the high mineral content tends to flatten acidity and produce a heavier, less nuanced shot with lighter roasts. Darker roasts and milk-based drinks fare better: the body and density that hard water produces can carry well through milk. Regular descaling is essential, and filtration or blending with softer water is worth considering.

Filter & pour-over

The effect is more noticeable here than in espresso, because the higher water-to-coffee ratio amplifies the mineral influence. Lighter roasts will taste muted and uniform; origin character gets buried. Darker roasts hold up better, but the cup will lack the clarity that filter brewing is best at producing.

Drinking & cooking

The mineral taste is perceptible. Some people prefer it; others find it chalky. Hard water can affect how well soap and detergent lather, and it leaves visible residue on glass and stainless steel.


Nearby areas


Data sourced from Welsh Water (2024). Looking for a specific address? Look up your full postcode for the most accurate result.