hard water

[homerbart]

Dont know if this question should be on this site.

How does one know if they live in a hard water area or soft water for that matter.

[SKA]

I saw a map which showed what kind of water you have, it may have been on the united utilities web site or a school text book. sorry thats not much help is it, try a google search for your area.
I know we have soft water in Manchester!

[sp1214]

You get in touch with your water company and they will tell you.

[tubeway]

try washing your hands - Soft water lots of bubbles. Hard water less bubbles. I live in Essex and I have been told that 3 valleys water is the hardest in the country.

[tubeway]

Lots of info here

http://www.dwi.gov.uk/pubs/hardness/index.htm# 4

[north star]

have a look at the heating element inside your kettle. If the element is bright and shiny then you have soft water, if its covered with a white chalky material then you have hard water

[PuzzledJack]

The last answer depends on the age of your kettle. If you live in a soft water area but have been boiling water for a couple a years. The heating element will still have a build up of Ca and K ions and so will have a white covering. The lathering with soap test is more reliable.