Tap water in TN17, Tunbridge WellsToo few tap tests to call it.Slightly hard.
Supplied by South East Water. 12 substances, latest on 6 March 2026. These are river and groundwater samples near TN17, not tests of treated tap water, so treat the score as a rough guide.
8.7 / 10
The tank is as full as the score. The specks are the minerals that make water hard.
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What's in a glass of TN17 water
Every bubble is a substance the lab measured. The higher it floats, the closer it came to its legal limit, the dashed line at the top.
Iron came closest to a limit, at 80% of it. 4 of 5 substances used under a quarter of theirs.
- Iron80%
- Ammonia9%
- Nitrite6%
- Nitrate5%
- Copper<1%
- pH 7.01 pH
- Temperature 9.9 °C
- Conductivity 336 µS/cm
- Phosphate 0.031 mg/L
- Dissolved Oxygen 9.92 mg/L
- Zinc 0.0073 mg/L
- PFAS (total) 0.00287 µg/L
All 12 results as a table
| Substance | Result | Legal limit | Share of limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 0.16 mg/L | 0.2 mg/L | 80% |
| pH | 7.01 pH | No legal limit | – |
| Temperature | 9.9 °C | No legal limit | – |
| Conductivity | 336 µS/cm | No legal limit | – |
| Ammonia | 0.047 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 9% |
| Nitrate | 2.4 mg/L | 50 mg/L | 5% |
| Nitrite | 0.029 mg/L | 0.5 mg/L | 6% |
| Phosphate | 0.031 mg/L | No legal limit | – |
| Dissolved Oxygen | 9.92 mg/L | No legal limit | – |
| Zinc | 0.0073 mg/L | No legal limit | – |
| Copper | 0.00399 mg/L | 2 mg/L | <1% |
| PFAS (total) | 0.00287 µg/L | No legal limit | – |
163mg of limescale minerals in every litre
Middling hardness. Some scale, slowly
Below the point where a softener pays for itself. Descaling the kettle now and then is all most homes need.
Your river is the Hammer Stream, rated moderate
The Environment Agency rated the Hammer Stream as moderate for ecological health in its 2025 assessment, meaning the river is noticeably changed by pollution or engineering. It is held back by phosphate and dissolved oxygen. It fails the chemical test, as every river, estuary and stretch of coast in England does, because of long-lasting pollutants such as mercury, PFOS (a forever chemical) and old flame retardants.
None of this is a test of your tap water. Environment Agency record · River health across England
TN17 in short
Tap water in TN17 (Tunbridge Wells) is supplied by South East Water in the Tunbridge Wells Central zone and scores 8.7 out of 10, against an England and Wales average of 9.0. 1 of 12 tested substances was close to or over a limit. The latest sample is from 6 March 2026.
- Iron is within its legal limit but flagged, at 80% of the 0.2 mg/L maximumAnything over three quarters of a limit is flagged here as worth watching. It has not gone over. See every reading
- 3rd cleanest of 6 areas tested in Tunbridge WellsSquarely mid-table for Tunbridge Wells, between TN18 on 9.4 and TN3 on 6.1.
- Moderately hard water at 163 mg/LSome scale over time in TN17, but not enough to justify a softener for most homes. How hardness is measured
Questions about TN17 water
Is TN17 tap water safe to drink?
Based on the latest tests, TN17 (Tunbridge Wells) water scores 8.7/10, which is safe. 1 of 12 tested contaminants exceeded recommended levels. Water is supplied by South East Water.
What contaminants are in TN17 water?
We tested 12 contaminants in TN17 water. 1 were flagged, including Iron. PFAS (forever chemicals) were also detected at 0.00287 µg/L in nearby environmental monitoring.
Who supplies water in TN17?
TN17 (Tunbridge Wells) is supplied by South East Water. You can view their full profile and compliance data on our supplier page.
Is TN17 water hard or soft?
Water in TN17 (Tunbridge Wells) has a hardness of 163 mg/L CaCO3, which is classified as moderately hard. This is a moderate hardness level.
Should I use a water filter in TN17?
With 1 contaminant above recommended levels in TN17, a water filter could help. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter is recommended for PFAS removal. See our filter recommendations for your area.
Are there PFAS forever chemicals in TN17 water?
Yes, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been detected in TN17 at 0.00287 µg/L from environmental monitoring. The UK currently has no legal limit for PFAS in drinking water. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters can reduce PFAS levels.
How clean is the river near TN17?
The Environment Agency rated the Hammer Stream as moderate for ecological health in its 2025 assessment, meaning the river is noticeably changed by pollution or engineering. It is held back by phosphate and dissolved oxygen. It fails the chemical test, as every river, estuary and stretch of coast in England does, because of long-lasting pollutants such as mercury, PFOS (a forever chemical) and old flame retardants. This is a rating of the river, not of tap water in TN17, which is treated before it reaches homes.
Keep reading
- Best Filter for PFAS RemovalThe filters with independent certification to remove forever chemicals
- PFAS Forever ChemicalsWhat PFAS are and how to reduce your exposure at home
- Best Water Filters UKEvery filter type compared on what it actually removes
- Is UK Tap Water Safe?Everything you need to know about tap water safety in the UK
PFAS explainedHow to test your waterBest water filtersFilter shower headsWater testing kitsUK water rankingsWater hardness checkerWater hardness map
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