The Water Dictionary

Tap Water in SP5

Zone 113 Clarendon — Wessex Water

Tap water in Zone 113 Clarendon, supplied by Wessex 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 291 mg/L as CaCO₃.

Mineral composition

mg/L
Calcium113
Magnesiumawaiting data
Sodium9
Sulfate14
Chloride20
Bicarbonateawaiting data

Additional info

Hardness291 as CaCO₃
Alkalinityawaiting data
pH7.3
Conductivity507 µS/cm
SourceWessex 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.

Closest water profiles

Neapolitan Pizza (Naples)

Neapolitan Pizza (Naples), IT

baking

Closest match on chloride and calcium

Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette, FR

baking

Closest match on chloride and sodium

London

London, UK

coffee

Closest match on calcium and chloride

Nearby areas

SP10

Your water is pumped from underground sources in the chalk from Andover and Chil

Southern Water

SP11

Your water is pumped from underground sources in the chalk from Andover and Chil

Southern Water

SP1

Zone 114 Salisbury

Wessex Water

SP7

Zone 101 Shaftesbury

Wessex Water

SP2

Zone 114 Salisbury

Wessex Water

SP3

Zone 114 Salisbury

Wessex Water

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