What Contaminants Can Be Found In UK Tap Water

The River Trust: "The Data is Clear: Our rivers are in a desperate state of affairs"

"No single stretch of river in England or Northern Ireland is in good overall health."

Just 15% of English, 30% of Northern Irish and 50% of Irish river stretches reach good ecological health standards.

"Toxic chemicals that remain in ecosystems for decades pollute every stretch of English rivers."

2023 was the worst year on record for sewage pollution according to The Rivers Trust, with overflows spilling raw sewage into the UK's lakes, rivers and seas for over 3,600,000 hours. Yes, that is 3.6 million hours.

This is double the amount of time than what was recorded during 2022 (1.7 million hours).

Factories and industrial plants often release wastewater containing heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, and chromium into nearby water sources, either intentionally or due to poor waste management practices.

Fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides used in farming often contain heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium. When it rains, these compounds can wash into streams, rivers, and lakes.

From the rivers to our taps

With all this contamination running wild in our waterways, it takes a lot of work to get it clean enough for us to drink and wash with. But is it really clean enough?

UK tap water contamination has hit the news repeatedly in the past few years, and with good reason: In 2023, The Guardian reported, 199 samples of untreated drinking water were found to contain PFAS levels above 100 nanograms per litre: The limit the DWI considers acceptable for treated tap water.

While the water is treated before it gets to our homes, the remaining chlorine could be causing harm to your skin and hair, inflammation, and other issues.

Add in regional differences, such as hard tap water, microplastic concentrations, and lingering nitrates, and it’s no wonder so many people can’t get rid of the skin conditions that plague them everyday.

How can we stop this?

Factories and industrial plants often release wastewater containing heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, and chromium into nearby water sources, either intentionally or due to poor waste management practices.

Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides used in farming often contain heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium. When it rains, these compounds can wash into streams, rivers, and lakes.

Polluted Rivers

Chlorinated Water

Polluted Rivers

Chlorinated Water

Old, Rusty Pipes

Pesticides

Old, Rusty Pipes

Pesticides

Stopping UK Tap Water Contamination Getting to Our Skin

99% of UK tap water contains chlorine and heavy metals. Water companies add chlorine to our water to kill harmful bacteria which poses a risk to our health.

The Curo Purifying Shower filter effectively removes the chemicals, heavy metals, and organic compounds, leaving you with pure, clean water.

Say hello to your skin's new best friend.

Shop Curo

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a filtered shower?

Absolutely! If you care about your skin and hair, a filtered shower is essential. Around 99% of UK tap water contains chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities that cause dryness, irritation and damage to your skin and hair. Chlorine strips natural oils, while heavy metals irritate sensitive skin and weaken hair strands.

Our triple-filtration means we have the most powerful shower head filter replacement on the market, as we remove over 99% of chlorine and other heavy metals, giving you healthier, hydrated skin, shinier hair, and an all-round better shower experience. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a huge difference for both your body and well-being.

Is there chlorine in tap water?

Yes. Chlorine is added to UK tap water to kill bacteria, but it can strip moisture from your skin and hair. With a Curo Shower, you can remove most of that chlorine before it ever touches your skin, helping to keep it hydrated, calm, and healthy.

Is fluoride in tap water in the UK?

In some areas. Fluoride is added to help protect teeth, but not every region uses it. Generally, the levels of fluoride in our tap water is unlikely to cause any harm to the skin or hair.

What chemicals are in tap water in the UK?

Tap water often contains small amounts of chlorine, fluoride, nitrates and other treatment chemicals. All are within legal limits, though they can still affect skin and hair.

Curo’s Shower Head Filter is designed specifically to remove those chemicals before they hit your skin and hair, leaving your water cleaner and softer straight from the shower.

What heavy metals are in tap water?

Lead, copper, and iron are some examples that can appear, especially in homes with older plumbing or corroded pipes. Even at low levels, these metals can irritate sensitive skin and dull hair over time. Curo’s Shower Head Filter helps capture and reduce these impurities, giving you cleaner, healthier water every time you shower.

Does tap water contain microplastics?

Yes. Research from the University of Birmingham found microplastics in every UK tap water sample they tested, ranging from 6 to 100 particles per litre. These tiny plastic fragments come from packaging, clothing fibres, and even household plumbing. While they’re invisible to the eye, they can still cling to skin and hair.

Does tap water contain nitrates?

Depending on where you are, yes. Nitrates can enter the supply from agricultural fertilisers and whilst they are regulated, they're still present in some areas.

What is hard tap water?

Hard water has high levels of calcium and magnesium. It’s common across much of the UK and can leave skin dry, hair dull, and limescale on your shower fittings. Curo’s Shower Head Filter helps soften your shower water by reducing these minerals, leaving your skin smoother and your hair shinier.