From The Source. Where Does Our Water Come From?
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.