Affinity Water says softening equipment that supplies parts of Brentwood, Ongar, Harlow and Uttlesford has come to the end of its life. Photos: Pixabay Thousands of people could potentially be facing larger energy bills after a decision from a major water supplier to cease softening water. Affinity Water – which supplies large parts of Essex and Hertfordshire including parts of the borough of Brentwood, Ongar, Harlow and Uttlesford – says the specialised equipment to soften the water has now come to the end of its life. It means its customers will be supplied with the “natural level of hardness that is common to the town and surrounding areas”. Affinity Water derives much of its supply from chalk acquifers and as such is some of the hardest in the UK.