Where Does Our Tap Water Come From?

We use water every day — but most of us rarely stop to think about where it actually comes from. Whether it’s for drinking, showering, or washing up, water flows seamlessly into our homes with a simple turn of a tap.

But what’s the journey behind that flow?

Let’s explore how the UK’s water supply system works — and why pressure problems can arise along the way.

The Main Sources of UK Water Supply

In the UK, our mains water comes from two main sources:

Surface water – from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs

Groundwater – from underground aquifers, accessed by boreholes

Which source your home receives depends on where you live. For example, Scotland and Wales get most of their water from surface sources like reservoirs, while parts of southeast England rely more heavily on groundwater.

How Is Water Treated?

Before it reaches your home, water goes through a series of treatment steps:

Collection – from rivers, reservoirs or boreholes

Filtration – to remove particles and sediment

Disinfection – usually with chlorine, to kill bacteria

Distribution – pumped through a vast network of pipes

Water companies test supplies regularly to meet strict quality and safety standards set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).

Why Does Water Pressure Vary?

Although the supply is centralised, water pressure can vary dramatically between homes. Reasons include:

Distance from the pumping station

Elevation of your home (higher homes = lower pressure)

Pipe size or restrictions

Number of homes on your street drawing water at the same time

If you’ve ever had a shower slow to a trickle while someone flushes the toilet — that’s low pressure in action.

What Can You Do About It?

If you're suffering from poor water pressure, you're not alone. Many UK homes — especially older properties — experience pressure issues that can impact daily life.

That’s where we come in.

At Water Pressure Boost, we specialise in helping homeowners fix low water pressure with powerful, easy-to-install booster systems designed for UK pipework.

👉 Explore our water pressure boosters

Poor water pressure isn’t just annoying — it can make everyday tasks like showering or doing the dishes a real chore. If you're dealing with trickling taps, weak showers, or slow-filling appliances, you're likely experiencing low mains water pressure.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure at Home

There are several reasons why your water pressure might be lower than expected:

Shared Supply or Peak Demand

If you live in a built-up area or new development, your mains supply might be shared with other homes. During peak usage (morning or evening), pressure drops as demand increases.

Distance from the Mains Supply

Homes located farther from the main water line or at a higher elevation tend to receive weaker pressure due to natural friction loss in the pipe network.

Old or Narrow Pipework

Older properties often have undersized pipes or internal corrosion that restricts flow.

Plumbing Restrictions

Partially closed valves, clogged filters, or faulty pressure-reducing valves can also choke water flow.

Low Pressure from the Water Company

Sometimes, it’s not your house — it’s the supply itself. Your local water provider might be delivering below-standard pressure, especially during maintenance periods.

How to Test Your Water Pressure

You can run a quick test using a pressure gauge attached to an outside tap or washing machine inlet. In the UK, typical mains pressure should be 1.5–3 bar. Anything below 1 bar is considered low.

How to Solve Water Pressure Problems

✅ Check Your Stop Tap

Ensure your internal stop tap is fully open. Even partially closed taps can seriously reduce flow.

✅ Clean Tap Aerators and Showerheads

Sediment or limescale can build up and reduce flow at the outlet — clean them regularly.

✅ Speak to Your Water Supplier

They’re responsible for delivering minimum pressure to your home — and may be able to inspect or confirm supply issues.

✅ Install a Water Pressure Booster

If all else fails, a pressure booster system is the most effective long-term fix. Our compact booster units with built-in pumps are designed to increase pressure throughout your home — without major plumbing changes.

👉 Browse water pressure boost systems

Take the Pressure Off Your Day

Low water pressure can seriously impact your home comfort — but you don’t have to live with it. Identify the cause, take action, and restore the flow you need.

Got questions? Talk to our team — we’ll help you find the right solution for your setup.