Brita reveal the UK regions with the most extreme water types
BRITA Professional's research has revealed which regions are exposed to the most extreme water types, with the highest levels of hard, soft, gypsum and aggressive water.
The results show that the north of Scotland has the softest water in the UK, which is due to the minimal chalk content in the geology, as opposed to a very high chalk content in Norfolk, causing this region to have the hardest water in the UK.
Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and parts of Suffolk are regions with high levels of calcium sulphate, giving them the highest levels of gypsum. Coastal areas in the east take the top spot for the most aggressive water in the UK, due to high concentrations of salts in the area.
The report states that no matter where you are based, regional variance in water has a major impact on catering and hot beverage equipment if left unprotected. Unfiltered water significantly affects the consistency and quality of food and beverages served, as well as causing premature breakdowns due to the build-up of limescale and other impurities.
BRITA Professional has developed a new digital water map that provides regional information on water quality – from water hardness, and the exact type of water, to the risk of corrosion, alongside the development of two new water filters.
The new PURITY C1100 XtraSafe provides a dual defence against corrosive water and has been specifically designed for water high in salts and gypsum, with two ion exchangers that protect equipment against sulphates, chlorides and gypsum that could lead to corrosion and deposits whilst the PURITY C500 MinUp has been designed specifically for coffee machines, offering innovative mineralisation for regions with very soft water.
Steve Buckmaster, sales director at BRITA Professional, said: "With such drastic regional variances in water across the UK, the first step for hot beverage outlets and caterers is to understand the characteristics of their water supply."
