If you have a water softener, it is recommended that you always keep a separate mains-fed tap for drinking and cooking, and follow the manufacturers instructions for installation and operation carefully.
Water hardness is the result of naturally occurring calcium and magnesium salts. The harder the water, the more salts it will contain.
The majority of water supplied by Anglian Water is classified as hard.
Some customers choose to artificially soften their water to prevent build-up of deposits in, for example, boilers. Anglian Water strongly advises that customers keep at least one mains-fed tap in the property for drinking and cooking purposes. This is particularly important for bottle-fed infants and anyone on a sodium-restricted diet*. In addition, a number of studies show that drinking hard water reduces cardiovascular disease.
* Many water softeners work by exchanging the calcium and magnesium in the water for sodium.
Anglian Water also advises that any water softening devices are installed and operated in strict accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
Further information on the installation of water softeners can be obtained from the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) at www.wras.co.uk.
Further information on water hardness and hardness levels in your drinking water.