Compare tap water hardness in 5 cities in East of England, England. Average: 32.7°fH (Average quality).
In East of England, tap water hardness averages 32.7°fH, corresponding to very hard water. The softest water is found in Peterborough (23.53°fH, score 6/10) and the hardest in Ipswich (43.55°fH, score 2/10). The England average in our dataset is 18.1°fH. All 5 cities have water compliant with DWI regulations (Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2018).
The average tap water hardness in East of England is 32.7°fH, corresponding to very hard water. Among the 5 cities covered, the softest water is found in Peterborough (23.53°fH) and the hardest in Ipswich (43.55°fH). The England average in our dataset is 18.1°fH.
Yes. Tap water in East of England is regulated by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) under the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2018. Water hardness of 32.7°fH does not affect safety; it only influences appliance maintenance and taste. All 5 cities in our database have compliant water.
With an average of 32.7°fH, a water softener or anti-scale filter is a worthwhile investment in East of England. Limescale significantly shortens the lifespan of boilers, washing machines and kettles. A softener is particularly recommended in cities above 30°fH such as Ipswich (43.55°fH).
Water in East of England is supplied by Anglian Water, Cambridge Water. Data in our database comes from official zone-level analyses published by these utilities (2025).
All 5 cities in East of England with their hardness values are listed on this page. Click on any city name to get full details: quality index, DWI compliance, impact on appliances and personalised recommendations.
Data: Anglian Water, Cambridge Water official zone-level hardness reports (2025). Readings verified via DWI drinking water quality database.