If you live in Glasgow or plan to visit Scotland’s largest city, you might ask yourself, “Is Glasgow water hard or soft?” Because of the different mineral levels across regions of the UK, water hardness varies widely from ‘soft’ to ‘aggressively hard’. But these hardness levels contribute to water’s taste and smell and even how your household appliances work, so let's find out whether Glasgow’s water is hard or soft – and why. 

What is hard and soft water?

Water hardness is defined by the level of concentrated dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium, in the water as it flows into your home or office through the taps. Hard water has higher levels of these minerals, while soft water has lower levels. The hardness of water is measured on a scale of parts per million (ppm), and how much hardness is dissolved in the water per million particles tells us the rating. In the UK, we have the following categories:

• Soft to moderately soft: 0–100 ppm
• Slightly hard to moderately hard: 101–200 ppm
• Hard to very hard: 201–350 ppm
• Aggressively hard: 351+ ppm

Hard water will contain a higher level of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, which build up as the water flows through limestone or chalk rock deep underground. But soft water will contain much lower mineral levels as it flows through softer rock or soil. Read more about whether the mains water is hard or soft in your area.

Is Glasgow water hard or soft?

Like other areas of Scotland, Glasgow is one area in the UK known for having soft water. With an average of 170 rainy days in Glasgow, the water levels in Scotland’s rivers, lochs, and reservoirs can be generous. And thanks to the natural landscape and water source, it typically contains a lower concentration of dissolved minerals.

The bulk of Glasgow’s water, keeping its 635,000 population healthy and hydrated, comes from Loch Katrine, a freshwater loch around 35 miles north of the city in the Trossachs National Park. As that’s an area of low mineral content, the water supplied to homes and businesses across Glasgow via 26 miles of aqueducts is classed as soft, falling well within the 0-100 ppm of water hardness.

Is Glasgow’s water hardness a cause for concern?

Since Glasgow water is soft, the people and businesses of the city don’t need to worry about the common problems that come with hard water, such as limescale buildup – which is great news for any household pipework, appliances, or industrial equipment. However, if you move between regions with different water hardness levels, you’ll probably notice a big difference in taste, which might take some getting used to.

Advanced filtered water from Thirsty Work

If you’re living in Glasgow, you don't need to worry about the quality of the tap thanks to its natural sources and Scottish Water’s rigorous treatment process. But you might still not like its taste or smell. So, can Glasgow water taste even better? Yes – it really can.

Using an advanced, built-in filtration system, a mains-fed water cooler from Thirsty Work can filtrate even more impurities and contaminants from the water by being plumbed directly into your mains water supply. You get the purest water you can through your tap with no unpalatable tastes or smells.

To find out more, get a free quote, or get started with your 10-day free trial, contact our customer service team today. Call 01392 877 172 or email hello@thirstywork.com, and we can get your water cooler to you with our speedy local delivery service