Survey shows Portsmouth has some of the hardest water in the UK - here's what it means for you

The city has been named in the top 15 towns and cities in the country for quantities of calcium carbonate in each litre of its water.

The metric is measured in milligrams and results show Portsmouth waters contain 297mg of the compound.

Surrey-based firm Harvey Water Softeners made the measurement as part of its 2020 UK Hard Water Index.

Ipswich, in Suffolk, tops the list with 368mg of calcium carbonate.

Closest results to Portsmouth were in Hemel Hempstead, in Hertfordshire, and Swindon, in Wiltshire, which respectively measured at 304mg and 295mg.

Harvey Water Softeners said the Portsmouth's locality to limestone and chalky rock is responsible for the hardness of its water.

General manager Tony Jones added: ‘If you have moved to Portsmouth from elsewhere, particularly from the north or west, you may have noticed it’s harder to give your home that shiny finish when cleaning and this is typically due to the limescale and scum caused as a result of hard water.

‘It can even affect how you wash your hair, clean your car and how you ensure your skin feels moisturised throughout the day.’

Southampton measured in at 292mg per litre as part of the survey.

Edinburgh, in Scotland, had the softest water, measuring in at 23mg per litre.

Portsmouth Water is the supplier of the city’s freshwater, while Southern Water is responsible for the region's wastewater

How does hard water affect you?

Your home: Harvey Water Softeners says the white build-up on showers, taps and kettles, known as limescale, is caused by hard water.

The lower the hardness levels in your area, the less time you will have to spend cleaning limescale off your fixtures and fittings.

Your skin: The firm said skin conditions like eczema and dryness are linked and excess minerals in hard water can damage the skin's protective layer.

Your hair: Hard water is associated with dull-looking hair, with harder water making it more difficult to get luscious, glossy locks.

Your appliances: Harder water can line pipes and the inside of appliances, potentially damaging them if not cleaned regularly enough.

To access the full results of the research, go to harveywatersofteners.co.uk/water-quality-test/portsmouth