BOURNEMOUTH has some of the hardest water in the UK, according to new findings.

The 2020 UK Hard Water Index, compiled by Harvey Water Softeners, found that Bournemouth featured in the top ten of all towns and cities in the UK when based on the latest milligrams of calcium carbonate per litre levels for each area – the metric used to measure the severity of hard water.

At 278mg/l, the most similar water elsewhere in the UK can be found in Southend and Brighton.

The hardest water in the UK was found in Ipswich (368mg/l) and the softest in Edinburgh (23mg/l).

With Bournemouth Water being the town’s supplier of water, its hardness is due to Bournemouth’s locality and its close proximity to limestone and chalky rock in the region.

Experts say when water percolates through these types of rock it increases its calcium carbonate levels, meaning the majority of the UK’s hard water areas can be found in the south and eastern areas of the country.

Tony Jones, general manager at Harvey Water Softeners, said: “While many people often refer to how the hardness of water can affect its taste, it’s actually the other implications of hard water on the home and to lives in general that are greater causes for concern.

“If you have moved to Bournemouth 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.”

The hard water in Bournemouth may even contribute to higher household bills because of the need for more products like shampoo and other cleaners.

A spokesperson for Bournemouth Water said: “Bournemouth Water continues to supply its customers with some of the best quality tap water in the country.

“Our water is moderately ‘hard’ because most of our supply originates underground in chalk aquifers where it dissolves natural minerals, such as calcium carbonate.

“This can form scale in kettles and other home appliances.

“On our website, you’ll find information on the degree of hardness in your area which you may need to know when setting up a dishwasher or washing machine.”