Tap Water in SG17
Shefford — Anglian Water
Tap water in Shefford, supplied by Anglian Water, has the character of a blended surface and groundwater supply, with no dominant mineral signature. It's slightly hard, around the national midpoint, with a total hardness of 173 mg/L as CaCO₃.
Mineral composition
| mg/L | |
|---|---|
| Calcium | 57 |
| Magnesium | 7 |
| Sodium | awaiting data |
| Sulfate | 28 |
| Chloride | 10 |
| Bicarbonate | awaiting data |
Additional info
| Hardness | 173.26 as CaCO₃ |
| Alkalinity | awaiting data |
| pH | 7.3 |
| Conductivity | 354 µS/cm |
| Source | Anglian Water |
| Data year | 2025 |
What this means
Kettle & appliances
Light limescale will accumulate in kettles and on heating elements over weeks. A periodic descale (monthly or so) will keep things in check, but it's not urgent.
Espresso
Hardness at this level starts to affect espresso machines more noticeably. Scale will form in boilers over months, and the water's buffering will round off some of the brighter acidity in the cup. Regular descaling becomes worthwhile.
Filter & pour-over
Filter coffee starts to lose some of its top-end brightness here. Lighter roasts will taste rounder and less distinctive than they would with softer water, though medium and darker roasts hold up well. The cup won't be flat, but the crispest acidity is softened.
Drinking & cooking
A faint mineral taste may be noticeable if you're paying attention. Vegetables and pulses cook normally; rice and pasta are unaffected.
Closest water profiles
Nearby areas
Data sourced from Anglian Water (2025). Looking for a specific address? Look up your full postcode for the most accurate result.