Water Quality Testing Guide:
Understanding Your Hampshire Water
What's actually in your tap water? How to access your water company report, what the numbers mean, and when you should get independent testing done.
Step 1: Access Your Free Water Quality Report
Every water company must provide free water quality data for your postcode. Here's how to get yours:
Southern Water
Most of Hampshire including Andover (SP10/SP11)
0330 303 0368
Thames Water
Parts of Hungerford (RG17), North Berkshire
0800 316 9800
Wessex Water
Parts of Wiltshire including Marlborough (SN8)
0345 600 4 600
How to Use Your Water Report
- Enter your postcode on your water company's website
- Download the PDF or view the online report
- Look for "hardness" (calcium carbonate) and "chlorine" levels
- Compare values to UK drinking water standards (see table below)
- Contact your water company if you have concerns
Step 2: Understanding What the Numbers Mean
Your water report contains technical parameters. Here's what each one means and what typical Hampshire levels look like.
| Parameter | UK Limit | Hampshire Typical | Health Concern |
|---|---|---|---|
💎 Total Hardness mg/L CaCO3 | No legal limit | 280-350 | Low |
🧪 Chlorine (Free) mg/L | 5.0 max | 0.2-0.5 | Low |
🌾 Nitrates mg/L | 50 max | 15-35 | Medium |
⚠️ Lead µg/L | 10 max | <1 | High if present |
📊 pH Level pH units | 6.5-9.5 | 7.2-7.8 | Low |
🔩 Iron µg/L | 200 max | <50 | Low |
🦠 Bacteria (Coliforms) CFU/100ml | 0 | 0 | High if present |
🦷 Fluoride mg/L | 1.5 max | 0.1-0.3 | Low |
UK drinking water standards are set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). Hampshire water consistently meets all legal requirements.
Hampshire's Water: The Hard Truth
Hampshire sits on chalk and limestone aquifers. When rainwater filters through these rocks, it dissolves calcium and magnesium - creating our notoriously hard water.
Andover (SP10/SP11)
Marlborough (SN8)
Hungerford (RG17)
Hard Water Classification
The Good News
Hard water is not a health risk. Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals. The issues are cosmetic (limescale, dry skin) and practical (appliance damage), not health-related.
Step 3: When Should You Get Independent Testing?
Water company reports test the supply. But what about YOUR pipes? Here's when independent testing makes sense.
Moving to a New Home
RecommendedOld properties may have lead pipes, unknown water history
Pre-1970 Property
EssentialHigh probability of lead pipework that needs replacing
Private Water Supply
Legal requirementNo water company testing. Your responsibility to ensure safety
Baby or Pregnant
RecommendedInfants more vulnerable to nitrates and lead
Taste/Smell Changes
SoonCould indicate contamination, pipe corrosion, or filter failure
After Filter Installation
OptionalVerify filter is working as claimed
Annual Checkup
OptionalPeace of mind, catch gradual changes
Step 4: DIY Test Kits vs Professional Testing
DIY Test Kit Options
Hardness Test Strips
£8-15 (50 strips)JNW, API, Hach
Good for monitoring, not diagnosis
Multi-Parameter Strips
£15-25 (100 strips)Varify, Health Metric
Quick screening, confirm with lab if concerned
Digital TDS Meter
£10-30HM Digital, Xiaomi
Useful for filter performance monitoring
Lab Test Kit (Mail-In)
£80-200Tap Score, SimpleLab
Best for definitive answers
Professional Testing Services
UKAS Accredited Lab Testing
For definitive results, use a UKAS-accredited laboratory. They test to official standards and provide legally recognised results.
Where to Get Professional Testing
- • Tap Score / SimpleLab - Mail-in kits with certified results
- • ALS Environmental - UK lab with local collection
- • Local council - Free testing in some cases
- • Rosebourne Plumbing - We can arrange testing with your service
Private Water Supplies: Legal Requirements
If your property has a private water supply (borehole, well, spring) rather than mains water, you have legal obligations under the Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016.
You Must:
- ✓ Register your supply with the local authority
- ✓ Have water tested annually (risk assessment)
- ✓ Test for bacteria, nitrates, and other parameters
- ✓ Take action if results fail standards
Contact Your Council:
- • Test Valley BC (Andover): 01264 368000
- • Wiltshire Council (Marlborough): 0300 456 0100
- • West Berkshire (Hungerford): 01635 551111
Rosebourne Plumbing can install UV sterilization and filtration systems for private supplies. Contact us for a consultation.
Need Help With Your Water Quality?
Rosebourne Plumbing offers water quality consultations, filter recommendations based on your water report, and professional installation across Andover, Marlborough, and Hungerford.
