What is hard water?
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium. These minerals are naturally occurring in some ground and surface water sources. Hard water is not considered unhealthy, but it can cause aesthetic issues like scale buildup, soap scum, and mineral deposits.
What causes hard water?
Hardness in water is caused by minerals from soil and rock, most commonly calcium and magnesium. As water moves through the ground, it dissolves these minerals and absorbs them. The amount of hardness in water depends on the source and treatment. Groundwater and water from snowmelt tend to be harder as they flow through calcium and magnesium-rich soil and rocks. Surface waters like lakes and rivers tend to be softer.
How do I know if I have hard water?
There are a few signs that can indicate hard water:
White/Chalky Deposits
One of the most common signs of hard water is a white, chalky deposit on fixtures and surfaces that are frequently in contact with water. These are mineral deposits left behind when hard water evaporates. You may see these on showerheads, faucets, sinks, tubs, and tiles. The deposits are calcium carbonate and can be very difficult to remove once hardened.
Scale Buildup
In addition to surface deposits, hard water will cause scale to gradually build up inside pipes, water heaters, kettles, and other household appliances. This reduces efficiency and lifespan. Scale is the hardened mineral deposits that stick to the inside of pipes and equipment.
Soap Scum
Hard water reacts poorly with soap, preventing it from lathering and rinsing away easily. As a result, a sticky soap scum residue is left behind on skin, tile, and bathtubs. This is often noticeable in the shower as a film. Soap and shampoo won’t lather as easily either with hard water.
Dry Skin and Hair
Hard water prevents soap from activating fully, leaving behind deposits on skin and hair. This causes skin to feel dry and makes hair look dull and tangled. No matter how much you moisturize, your skin may still feel tight and itchy.
Stiff Fabrics
When washed in hard water, clothes and linens can come out looking dingy and feeling stiff and scratchy. The minerals in hard water are not fully rinsed away, leaving deposits in fabric fibers that reduce softness.
Spotty Dishes
The minerals in hard water will leave spots and film on glassware, dishes, silverware and other surfaces. This happens when the minerals dry and leave deposits behind. It can be difficult to wash off these spots, often requiring rewashing.
Testing Water Hardness
To confirm if you have hard water, you can use a water hardness testing kit. These measure hardness on the GPG (grains per gallon) or PPM (parts per million) scale.
A professional water test will give the most accurate results. But here are some do-it-yourself options:
Test Strips
Dip test strips change color based on mineral content. Compare the strip to a color chart to estimate hardness level. Test strips are inexpensive but can vary in accuracy.
Testing Drops
Add testing drops to a water sample. The number of drops needed to change the water’s color indicates the hardness level. A digital reader makes this especially accurate.
Testing Meters
Electronic testing meters provide a digital hardness reading. Durable and reusable, they give reliable results. More expensive models include additional water quality tests.
At-Home Water Analysis
Mail-in kits test for a full mineral analysis. You collect and send a water sample to a lab for evaluation. This provides a detailed report on hardness and other water qualities.
Hard Water Classification
Water hardness is classified into different ranges based on mineral content:
| Classification | GPG | PPM |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | Less than 1 | 0-60 |
| Slightly Hard | 1 to 3.5 | 61-120 |
| Moderately Hard | 3.5 to 7 | 121-180 |
| Hard | 7 to 10.5 | 181-300 |
| Very Hard | Over 10.5 | Over 300 |
Typical ranges for residential water are from 1 to 8 GPG. Water over 10.5 GPG is considered very hard.
Problems Caused by Hard Water
While it won’t make you sick, hard water causes nuisance issues like:
– Dry skin and scalp
– Tangled, dull hair
– Chalky mineral buildup
– Clogged pipes and appliances
– Ineffective soap and detergent
– Spotty glasses and dishes
– Stiff, scratchy laundry
The high mineral content also limits the lathering and cleaning action of soaps and detergents. Hard water requires more soap to activate, so you go through cleaning products more quickly.
Over time the calcium and magnesium deposits lead to costly breakdowns in water heaters, dishwashers, coffee makers and other equipment. Hard water also shortens the lifespan of plumbing and fixtures.
Health Effects of Hard Water
Hardness minerals don’t pose health concerns, but the metallic taste of hard water is considered unpalatable by many people. Those on sodium-restricted diets should also watch their intake from water softeners that use sodium chloride.
However, there are some possible health benefits linked to the minerals in hard water:
– May contribute dietary calcium and magnesium which are beneficial minerals, especially in areas with low calcium levels in soil and water. But should not be considered a significant source.
– Some research indicates it may provide a degree of protection from heart disease.
– Potential protective effects against kidney stones through the minerals it contributes. But studies show mixed results.
– May offer modest protection for healthy bones and teeth due to minerals present, especially in children. But optimal levels are still debated.
Overall the health impacts, positive and negative, are considered minor for most healthy individuals at typical hard water levels. Those with specific health concerns should discuss any potential risks with their doctor.
Softening Hard Water
To reduce nuisance hard water issues in the home, you can use water softening to remove excess minerals. Common options include:
Ion Exchange Water Softeners
Ion exchange softeners are the most common whole house systems. They use resin beads to attract and bind to calcium and magnesium ions. Sodium ions are released to take their place, softening the water.
Salt-Free Water Conditioners
These systems use a physical media like enlarged resin beads, magnets or specialty ceramic material to alter the structure of the minerals. This prevents them from sticking together and forming scale buildup. The water retains some hardness.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis filters force water through a semipermeable membrane that traps minerals and other contaminants. This removes hardness along with other dissolved substances in the water.
Distillers
Distillers boil water into steam then cool and condense it back to pure water. This leaves behind the solid hardness minerals through an evaporation process.
Conclusion
Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium that can lead to mineral buildup, soap scum, dull hair and skin, spotty dishes, and other nuisances. Telltale signs of hard water include chalky deposits on faucets and tiles, scale in pipes and equipment, ineffective soap, and stiff laundry. Testing your water is the best way to determine if you have hard water. Options range from simple test strips to professional lab reports. While hard water is not a health hazard for most people, water softening provides benefits by reducing mineral levels for a more pleasant, effective water supply.