England
Thames Water supplies Reading from the River Thames and groundwater sources in the Thames Valley.
According to TapWater.uk's analysis, Reading scores 8.5/10 for drinking water quality in 2026. Water is supplied by Thames Water and has been tested for 29 contaminants across 17 postcode districts.
Average score
8.5/10
UK avg: 9.0/10
Areas tested
17
Issues flagged
17
PFAS detected
1 area
Yes, Reading tap water is safe to drink. Based on 17 areas tested, Reading has an average water quality score of 8.5/10 (below the UK average of 9.0/10). 17 contaminants were flagged above recommended levels across all areas. Water is supplied by Thames Water. Thames Water supplies Reading from the River Thames and groundwater sources in the Thames Valley. PFAS (forever chemicals) were detected in 1 of 17 areas monitored.
Contaminants flagged most often across the city.
All postcode districts in Reading, ranked by water quality score.
Learn more about the water quality issues relevant to this area.
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Yes, Reading tap water is generally safe to drink. Across 17 areas tested, the average water quality score is 8.5/10. Thames Water supplies Reading from the River Thames and groundwater sources in the Thames Valley.
Yes, you can drink tap water in Reading. It is regulated to UK drinking water standards, and across 17 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 Reading are Nitrite (flagged in 15 areas), Nitrate (flagged in 1 area), Coliform Bacteria (flagged in 1 area). PFAS (forever chemicals) were detected in 1 area.
Water in Reading has an average hardness of 296 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 Reading are RG41 (9.3/10), RG17 (8.6/10), RG18 (8.6/10).
Water in Reading is supplied by Thames Water. Thames Water supplies Reading from the River Thames and groundwater sources in the Thames Valley.
PFAS (forever chemicals) have been detected in 1 out of 17 areas tested in Reading. The UK currently has no legal limit for PFAS in drinking water. Check your specific postcode for details.
Free live water quality widget for RG41: 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 Reading.