Supplied by United Utilities, Manchester's water comes primarily from reservoirs in the Lake District and Peak District.
According to TapWater.uk's analysis, Manchester scores 9.7/10 for drinking water quality in 2026. Water is supplied by United Utilities and has been tested for 15 contaminants across 27 postcode districts.
Average score
9.7/10
UK avg: 9.0/10
Areas tested
27
Issues flagged
0
PFAS detected
None
Yes, Manchester tap water is safe to drink. Based on 27 areas tested, Manchester has an average water quality score of 9.7/10 (above the UK average of 9.0/10). No contaminants were found above recommended levels. Water is supplied by United Utilities. Supplied by United Utilities, Manchester's water comes primarily from reservoirs in the Lake District and Peak District.
All postcode districts in Manchester, ranked by water quality score.
Learn more about the water quality issues relevant to this area.
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Yes, Manchester tap water is generally safe to drink. Across 27 areas tested, the average water quality score is 9.7/10. Supplied by United Utilities, Manchester's water comes primarily from reservoirs in the Lake District and Peak District.
Yes, you can drink tap water in Manchester. It is regulated to UK drinking water standards, and across 27 tested areas the average water quality score is 9.7/10. Enter your postcode for the readings in your exact area.
No contaminants were flagged above recommended levels across Manchester. All tested areas passed on the parameters measured.
Water in Manchester has an average hardness of 235 mg/L CaCO₃, which is classified as hard. Hard water causes limescale buildup in kettles and appliances. A water softener or filter may help.
The areas with the best water quality in Manchester are M1 (9.7/10), M11 (9.7/10), M12 (9.7/10).
Water in Manchester is supplied by United Utilities. Supplied by United Utilities, Manchester's water comes primarily from reservoirs in the Lake District and Peak District.
No PFAS (forever chemicals) have been detected in any of the 27 areas tested in Manchester.
Free live water quality widget for M1: paste these two lines anywhere on your page. It stays up to date by itself and credits TapWater.uk automatically.
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<script src="https://www.tapwater.uk/widget.js" async></script>Get a detailed water quality report for your exact area in Manchester.