Tap water in the UK is among the most well-regulated and monitored in the world, with stringent standards set by the UK Government to ensure public safety. Since 2023, there’s been a 99.97% quality check pass rate (Drinking Water Inspectorate), with the aim of achieving 100%.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) performs rigorous testing to ensure that bacteria, viruses, and contaminants are removed from UK tap water.
At Lanes, we provide drainage services for the clean water sector to help comply with the UK’s unwavering health and safety standards.
Discover some of the work we have done for Thames Water in our article ‘Lanes wins major new Thames Water contracts’.
In this article, you’ll discover where the UK’s tap water comes from and how safe it is to drink.
The UK’s drinking water is sourced from “raw water sources” such as local rivers, groundwater aquifers, reservoirs and even the sea (Water.org.uk). It then passes treatment works where dangerous bacteria, viruses, and contaminants are removed before the treated water reaches underground storage tanks and water towers, ready for when you switch your taps on.
The UK receives various water types, ranging from hard to soft. The type of water you get depends on your location. Areas with underlying moorlands typically have soft water, while regions with chalk and limestone tend to have harder water. Your local water supplier will have a postcode checker so that you can find the water hardness in your area.
Hard water contains higher levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium ions because it flows through regions with chalk or limescale aquifers.
Soft water contains lower levels of minerals because it flows through regions with more moorlands than chalk and limestone.
Both hard and soft water are safe to drink. Hard water contains more minerals, which can lead to limescale build-up in pipes and appliances and reduce how well soap lathers. However, it also provides beneficial minerals that can strengthen teeth and bones.
Conversely, soft water leaves less residue and limescale, making it easier to clean. It can also be gentler on your skin, resulting in softer skin and hair.
A 2024 survey from Tapp Water rated the taste and quality of UK tap water in the best order ranking.
The places in the UK voted to have the best water quality are:
The survey also rated the worst-tasting tap water in the worst order ranking.
The places in the UK voted to have the worst water quality are:
UK tap water is safe to drink, and there's no need to treat it further. However, you might enjoy the taste of filtered or bottled water more.
One of the main advantages of tap water is that it's much cheaper and better for the environment than drinking from plastic bottles.
If you dislike the taste of tap water, using a water filter is a more practical and sustainable option than buying bottled water.
Unless you are in a public restroom with signs warning you not to drink from the tap, the bathroom water will come from the same place as the kitchen tap, and it is safe to drink.
The most common chemicals in UK tap water include chlorine, limescale, fluoride, and lead. Each level is closely monitored to ensure public safety.
It's best to avoid drinking from the warm water tap as it could come from a water heater or storage tank rather than freshwater supplies.
If you live in a hard water area, cloudy water will likely be due to trapped air or dissolved chalk remnants.
If your water smells or is unclear, contact your local water company. The company's contact details are online or on your bill. If you have a private water supply, contact your local council.
If you believe your discoloured or foul-smelling water is caused by a pipe issue, such as a blockage or damage. The team at Lanes is always on hand to clean, repair, or unblock your drain.
Discover the warning signs of a blocked drain in our article ‘Signs of a blocked drain’.