We are fortunate...here in Wiltshire on the edge of the New Forest. Our water comes out of a borehole in the chalk. The water is about 100 years old, that is the time it takes to filter thrugh the chalk.
The borehole is avout 2 miles from here, the water is essentially sterile as it comes out, so minimal chlorine as it goes into a storage tank on the top of the hill. Chlorination is needed as some of the the water mains are old and there is a risk of contamination, but on arrival at the house there is no smell, the water is bright and clear and it has a good taste!
But it is very hard, so a water softener is essential.
