Most softeners replace the calcium and magnesium that causes hardness with sodium. It is
particularly important therefore that all water mixed with powdered milk for babies’ feed is drawn
from an unsoftened mains supplied tap. This is because powdered milk already contains
sufficient sodium, and very young babies have a limited tolerance to sodium. Anyone on a
sodium-restricted diet should follow their doctor’s instructions.
The water supply to any softener must be via a single check valve to prevent backflow into the
mains supply. Further information can be obtained from the Information and Guidance Note
“Installation of Ion Exchange Water Softeners” on the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme
(WRAS) website, see: www.wras.co.uk
How can I find out how hard my water is?
Contact your local water company if you want to know the hardness of your tap water, for
example, if you are buying a new dishwasher. Many water companies now make this information
available on their websites via a postcode search or publish detailed maps of the water hardness
in their supply areas.
TURNING OFF YOUR WATER SUPPLY
It is a good idea to know where your internal stop tap is and that it works effectively. Try closing and
opening it.
The stop tap can usually be found on the pipework under the kitchen sink or in a downstairs
bathroom or cloakroom, or the cellar if your property has one.
If you get a leak or burst pipe inside the property you will need to turn the internal stop tap off to
prevent any flooding or damage.
In the roof space
WATER STORAGE
Many older properties have cold water storage tanks in the roof space or loft. In most cases the
storage tank only provides cold water to upstairs bathrooms, but in some properties all of the
cold water taps are fed from this tank. The condition of this tank can have a significant impact
on the water quality in your home.

Ideally you should only use a mains fed tap for drinking water. However if your drinking water, or
water for brushing your teeth, comes from a storage tank, you should check the following: -
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