It is a debate that stretches across the whole UK that has received a definitive answer.
Who has the best tap water?
Why has that question never been truly answered? Well, because everyone is too proud to say anywhere but their own hometown, typically.
That has always been the case, until now.
BRITA is a company that makes water filter products for the home and on the go. If you've got a water filter in your home (be honest, because your tap water tastes rubbish) then you can bet it is probably a BRITA.
Here are the best and worst areas in the UK for tap water taste:
Best UK locations for tap water
While tap water across the UK is safe to drink, quality may differ by region. For example, a 2020 taste test from a survey by Tapp Water. Its findings revealed that the top 5 UK locations for water, based on participant's opinions, were:
- Scotland
- South West (Bristol)
- Yorkshire and the Humber (Leeds)
- Northern Ireland (Belfast)
- Wales (Cardiff)
Worst UK locations for tap water
It also revealed the 5 worst places across the UK for tap water taste. These all happened to be areas with ‘hard’ water, these were:
- East of England (Norwich)
- East Midlands (Leicester)
- South East (Southampton)
- Greater London (London)
- West Midlands (Birmingham)
Recommended reading:
Jeremy Clarkson needs help with his new 'all British' pub
60% of councils unable to provide support from next month
Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert on getting train refunds
Can you claim Universal Credit if you live with parents?
Hard water vs. soft water
You may have heard the terms ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ water before. Hard water refers to water that has a high mineral content and is often found in the South and East of England, according to BRITA.
This is created through a combination of limestone and chalk, which may give it a cloudy appearance. While no health risks, hard water may not taste as nice as soft water, which typically features in the North and West.
If you’re unsure whether your water falls under the hard or soft category, use our water hardness test.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel