What makes the water in Shamley Green so hard?

As with most areas in the south-east of England, the water in Surrey is classified as hard. And Shamley Greem is no exception! It is essentially all due to the soil that is present throughout the region. Primarily of chalk and clay, this type of soil contains plenty of minerals like calcium and magnesium. When it rains, water is naturally soft. However, once the rainwater comes into contact with the calcium and magnesium, they have the effect of turning the water hard. And that’s exactly the status of the mains supply that flows through the taps of Shamley Green residences. If you aren’t a fan of hard water, the most effective way to combat its effects is to have a water softener installed. It’s not surprising, therefore, that many Surrey households choose to have soft water systems fitted in their homes.

The water hardness reading in Shamley Green is around 276 parts per million (ppm). This can vary a little, depending on the amount of rain that’s fallen. Generally, the greater the rainfall, the higher the water hardness reading. If the water hardness is over 200ppm it is considered hard. So, at 276ppm, Shamley Green is edging towards the top end of the scale. Not quite tin hat in the shower time – but getting close!

Shamley Green – an Overview

Annual rainfall: 23.46inch or 596mm.

Shamley Green is a rural Surrey village, four miles east of Godalming, four miles south-east of Guildford and about six miles from the West Sussex border. The population in the 2011 census was just over 1100.

One of the most famous houses in the village is Winter’s Grace, bought by Alfred Hitchcock and his wife in 1928 for £2,500. Originally a Tudor farmhouse, the Hitchcocks spent their weekends relaxing in Shamley Green, often entertaining guests, family and friends.

In 1939, the Hitchcocks leased the main part of the property when they left for Hollywood, but the name Alfred J. Hitchcock continued to be listed in the telephone directory as contactable on Bramley 3172 (Shamley Cottage, Shamley Green) until at least 1943. Hitchcock later named his television production company Shamley Productions after the village.