Portsmouth Water draws from chalk springs and boreholes in the Hampshire Downs, one of the UK's smallest water companies.
According to TapWater.uk's analysis, Portsmouth scores 8.5/10 for drinking water quality in 2026. Water is supplied by Portsmouth Water and has been tested for 21 contaminants across 6 postcode districts.
Average score
8.5/10
UK avg: 9.0/10
Areas tested
6
Issues flagged
4
PFAS detected
None
Yes, Portsmouth tap water is safe to drink. Based on 6 areas tested, Portsmouth has an average water quality score of 8.5/10 (below the UK average of 9.0/10). 4 contaminants were flagged above recommended levels across all areas. Water is supplied by Portsmouth Water. Portsmouth Water draws from chalk springs and boreholes in the Hampshire Downs, one of the UK's smallest water companies.
Contaminants flagged most often across the city.
All postcode districts in Portsmouth, ranked by water quality score.
Learn more about the water quality issues relevant to this area.
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Yes, Portsmouth tap water is generally safe to drink. Across 6 areas tested, the average water quality score is 8.5/10. Portsmouth Water draws from chalk springs and boreholes in the Hampshire Downs, one of the UK's smallest water companies.
Yes, you can drink tap water in Portsmouth. It is regulated to UK drinking water standards, and across 6 tested areas the average water quality score is 8.5/10. Enter your postcode for the readings in your exact area.
The most commonly flagged contaminants across Portsmouth are Nitrite (flagged in 4 areas). No PFAS were detected.
Water in Portsmouth has an average hardness of 364 mg/L CaCO₃, which is classified as very 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 Portsmouth are PO2 (8.7/10), PO6 (8.5/10), PO1 (8.4/10).
Water in Portsmouth is supplied by Portsmouth Water. Portsmouth Water draws from chalk springs and boreholes in the Hampshire Downs, one of the UK's smallest water companies.
No PFAS (forever chemicals) have been detected in any of the 6 areas tested in Portsmouth.
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