Drinking water quality
We use the same water today that was on the planet billions of years ago – it just gets recycled.

About your water
We use the same water today that was on the planet billions of years ago – it just gets recycled.
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Water hardness
'Hard' water is water with a lot of calcium in it – the more it contains, the harder the water is. This does not affect drinking water quality.
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Water quality standards
Drinking water in the South East mainly comes from rainwater. When it rains, water flows into streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs – this is called 'surface water'.
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Re-opening: protect your water hygiene
Stagnant water can be harmful. If you’re reopening your business, read the following water hygiene information first.
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How we treat water
To provide water that's good for you, we have to meet the drinking water quality standards set by the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations.
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Issues with your water's taste or smell
You may not notice, but every water supply has its own distinct taste due to its chemical composition.
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Issues with your water's colour
As well as making sure water is wholesome, water companies also have to consider if drinking water is acceptable to consumers in terms of its appearance.
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How hard is your water?
The hardness of water depends on the amount of naturally occurring minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Use our postcode checker below to find out the hardness of your water.


Lead in water
Find out why lead in water is harmful, whether your property has lead pipes, and what you can do about it.
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