The UK’s most extreme water types revealed

Extensive research has given us more insight into water types than ever before…

Our latest research into the UK’s water types means we can now reveal which regions are exposed to the most extreme water types, with the highest levels of hard, soft, gypsum and aggressive water.

  1. The north of Scotland has the softest water in the UK, which is due to the minimal chalk content in the geology.
  2. Very high chalk content in Norfolk means this region has the hardest water in the UK.
  3. Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire Cambridgeshire and parts of Suffolk are regions with high levels of calcium sulphate, giving them the highest levels of gypsum water in the UK.
  4. Coastal areas in the East take the top spot for the most aggressive water in the UK, due to high concentrations of salts in the area.
UK Water Map - 2022

No matter where you are based in the UK, regional variance in water has a major impact on catering and hot beverage equipment if left unprotected. Unfiltered water significantly affects the consistency and quality of food and beverages served, as well as causing premature breakdowns due to the build-up of limescale and other impurities.

With this in mind, the experts here at BRITA Professional have developed an industry first, one-of-a-kind, digital water map that provides regional information on water quality – from water hardness, and the exact type of water, to the risk of corrosion.

The launch of the new tool coincides with the development of two new water filters. Created to help all hot beverage and catering operators around the UK optimise their water supply, for consistently great tasting food and drink and efficient equipment that won’t break down prematurely, no matter how niche their water makeup.

The new PURITY C1100 XtraSafe provides a dual defence against corrosive water, creating ideal water for delicious coffee and perfectly steamed cuisine. It’s been specifically designed for water high in salts and gypsum, with two ion exchangers that protect equipment against sulphates, chlorides and gypsum that could lead to corrosion and deposits. Its filtration bypass settings can be tailored to combi ovens and coffee machines and prevents the damage that would require the premature replacement of parts.

The PURITY C500 MinUp has been designed specifically for coffee machines, offering innovative mineralisation for regions with very soft water. The filter enables better extraction of flavour compounds from coffee during the brewing process for a full aroma and balanced taste. It also increases the total dissolved solids to ensure a machine’s water-level sensors work effectively.

Activated carbon technology reduces substances such as chlorine that impact the taste and aroma of hot beverages, and there’s consistent mineralisation across the entire life of the filter for reliably high-quality results.

For more information, visit the Purity C1100 XtraSafe and the Purity C500 MinUp. Or if you would like ot ensure you're using the correct water filter for your local conditions, download our app now or speak to our team on 0844 742 4940.

Related content

Headquarter_710x400 mobile image

News & Stories home

Return to the News & Stories homepage.

Professional filters stories

Find more stories on professional water filtration - from professional catering to tea and coffee

What type of water is best for tea?

Research by the UK Tea Academy shows the impact of water on the taste, aroma and appearance of tea - and finally provides a water specification for a consistently great cuppa.