As the second city in the UK, Birmingham is well known or even famous for many things. Second only to London for population (hence the title), the city has a rich history of music, manufacturing, chocolate, and canals. But a little-known fact is that the Birmingham tap water is rated very highly for its quality and taste. So where does Birmingham water come from – and why does it taste so good?

Where does Birmingham water come from?

Let's get one thing settled straight away and confirm that Birmingham water doesn't actually come from Birmingham at all. Wait, what? Yes, you read that right. Unfortunately, there are no reservoirs or underground sources for the people of the West Midlands city to enjoy. Instead, the water flowing through the city’s pipework actually comes from Wales.

Primarily, Birmingham's water is delivered by Severn Trent Water directly from reservoirs in the Elan Valley in mid-Wales via tunnels and Victorian aqueducts spanning 73 miles. The water travels at around 2 miles per hour and takes roughly a day and a half to reach the city before flowing through the taps of homes and businesses in the city and its outskirts.

But why Wales? Well, During the Industrial Revolution, Birmingham suffered from diseases, including typhoid, cholera, and dysentery, due to the lack of clean drinking water. To overcome this, the city’s mayor of the time, Joseph Chamberlain, campaigned for a reliable source of clean water to come into the city from the Elan Valley reservoirs. And so it continues today.

Why does Birmingham water taste so good?

One of the main reasons Birmingham's water tastes as good as it does is the natural filtration, as it flows through underground aquifers before reaching your tap. As the water passes through layers of sandstone rock, it acts as a natural filter, removing impurities but retaining the water’s essential minerals.

The water travelling through each aqueduct also helps maintain its purity. Unlike other water sources that might need heavy chemical treatment, the water delivered from the Elan Valley needs very little treatment, so it preserves its natural taste.

Water hardness plays a key part in how water tastes when we drink it. Soft water, which has natural minerals like calcium and magnesium, often has a smoother, nicer taste compared with hard water. While Birmingham's water is classified as ‘very soft’ thanks to coming from the Welsh hills, it can be harder in surrounding areas and other parts of the West Midlands. 

Taste the difference with Thirsty Work

So now you know where Birmingham water comes from and why it tastes so good. But if you live outside Birmingham in the wider West Midlands area, you might want to experience softer, better-tasting water, too. In that case, why not try the natural, pure-filtered water from a Thirsty Work bottled water cooler?

Taken from the Wenlock Edge, not far from the Elan Valley, our spring water has similar qualities, is high in mineral content, and has the soft, sweet taste you know the lucky people of Birmingham already enjoy. So why miss out?

To find out more about our range of bottled water coolers for your home or office delivered direct from our Walsall depot, speak to our customer service team today. Call 01392 877 172 or email hello@thirstywork.com and get your free quote, or start your no-obligation, 10-day free trial and taste the difference.