Milton Keynes has some of the hardest water in the UK - here's what it means for you

The metric is measured in milligrams and results show MK's waters contain 284 parts per million of the compound.

Harvey Water Softeners made the measurement as part of its 2020 UK Hard Water Index.

Supplied by Anglian Water, the hardness is due to Milton Keynes’s close proximity to limestone and chalky rock in the region.

Tony Jones, general manager at Harvey Water Softeners, said: “While many people often refer to how the hardness of water can affect its taste, it’s actually the other implications of hard water on the home and to lives in general that are greater causes for concern.

“If you have moved to Milton Keynes from elsewhere, particularly from the north or west, you may have noticed it’s harder to give your home that shiny finish when cleaning and this is typically due to the limescale and scum caused as a result of hard water.

"It can even affect how you wash your hair, clean your car and how you ensure your skin feels moisturised throughout the day.”

How does hard water affect you?

Your home: Harvey Water Softeners says the white build-up on showers, taps and kettles, known as limescale, is caused by hard water.

The lower the hardness levels in your area, the less time you will have to spend cleaning limescale off your fixtures and fittings.

Your skin: The firm said skin conditions like eczema and dryness are linked and excess minerals in hard water can damage the skin's protective layer.

Your hair: Hard water is associated with dull-looking hair, with harder water making it more difficult to get luscious, glossy locks.

Your appliances: Harder water can line pipes and the inside of appliances, potentially damaging them if not cleaned regularly