Design and showers
Glasgow's soft water: what it means for your bathroom
Most of Scotland's drinking water is soft, and Glasgow's supply has come from Loch Katrine since 1859. Soft water carries little calcium and magnesium, so bathrooms in Glasgow see far less limescale than in hard-water areas. That is good news for shower heads, taps and glass, but soap marks still need regular cleaning. This guide explains what to expect.
Is Glasgow's water soft?
The Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland says most drinking water in Scotland is classified as soft. Hard water contains more dissolved calcium and magnesium, which leave limescale. Glasgow's water comes from Loch Katrine, owned by Scottish Water, and you can ask Scottish Water for the typical hardness of your own supply.
What soft water means in the bathroom
| Item | In soft water areas | Still worth doing |
|---|---|---|
| Shower heads | Little scale, so less clogging | Wipe the nozzles now and then |
| Glass panels | Fewer white limescale marks | Squeegee after use to stop soap marks |
| Taps | Finishes stay brighter | Clean with a mild cleaner, not abrasives |
| Electric showers | Less scale on the heating element | Follow the maker's servicing advice |
| Soap | Lathers easily, so you need less | Rinse well to avoid soap scum |
Do you need a water softener in Glasgow?
Most Glasgow homes do not need one, because the water is already soft. A softener is designed to remove hardness, so it adds little where there is little to remove. If you are unsure about your supply, check with Scottish Water first.
Choosing finishes
Soft water means you can choose finishes such as matt black, brushed brass and clear glass with less worry about limescale. Regular wiping still keeps them looking their best. See our luxury bathroom installation service for premium finishes.
Sources
- Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland: Water hardness
- Institution of Civil Engineers: Glasgow water supply
Figures from other organisations are theirs, not our prices. Check each source for the latest version.
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Is Glasgow water hard or soft?
Soft. The Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland says most drinking water in Scotland is classified as soft, and Glasgow's supply has come from Loch Katrine since 1859. Soft water has low levels of calcium and magnesium, which are the minerals that cause limescale. Scottish Water can tell you the typical hardness for your own postcode. Most Glasgow homes enjoy soft water.
Do I need a water softener in Glasgow?
Usually not. A water softener removes hardness from hard water, and Glasgow's supply is already soft, so there is little for a softener to do. If you are worried about your water, contact Scottish Water for the hardness of your supply before spending money on a softener. In most Glasgow homes, the money is better spent on a good shower or better extraction in the bathroom.
Why does my shower glass still get marks?
Even with soft water, soap and body products leave residue on glass, and drops of water can dry into faint marks. The simplest fix is to squeegee the glass after each shower and clean it weekly with a gentle cleaner. Avoid abrasive pads, which can scratch the glass and any coating on it. A glass coating can help water run off.
Does soft water help electric showers last longer?
Soft water causes much less scale on heating elements than hard water, which helps electric showers and other appliances. Showers still benefit from occasional cleaning of the head and the filter, and from following the manufacturer's servicing advice. We fit electric showers, with the circuit fitted and certified by a registered electrician. Your water system is checked at the survey.