The Water Experts. Helping Businesses Save Money & Water. We're The Most Experienced Water Retailer In The Uk. Switch & Save Money For Your Business
Search results
People also ask
What causes hard water?
Why is water hard if dissolved?
What causes hardness in water?
Why is water hard or soft?
Why is hard water bad for You?
Hard water is formed when water percolates through deposits of limestone, chalk or gypsum, [1] which are largely made up of calcium and magnesium carbonates, bicarbonates and sulfates. Drinking hard water may have moderate health benefits.
The properties of hard water have advantages and disadvantages. It is possible to measure the hardness of water, and distillation can be used to soften hard water. Part of Chemistry (Single...
- Overview
- What’s the difference between hard water and soft water?
- How can you tell if water is hard or soft?
- Are there any health risks associated with hard water?
- What are the benefits of hard water?
- Are there any health risks associated with soft water?
- What are the benefits of soft water?
- What is water softening?
- Is water softening safe?
- The bottom line
If higher sodium levels is a concern, you can try drinking bottled water or using your home’s soft water for laundry, dishwashing, and bathing.
You’ve probably heard the terms “hard water” and “soft water.” You may wonder what determines the hardness or softness of water and whether one type of water is healthier or safer to drink than the other.
Although water is typically crystal clear, it contains minerals and chemicals. The concentration of certain minerals is what creates the “hardness” of water.
This article will look at the differences between the two types of water, as well as the pros and cons of each and what to know about water softening.
The hardness of water is determined primarily by the amount of calcium and magnesium it contains. Higher levels of these and other minerals make water hard.
Water softening systems work by reducing the concentrations of minerals from the water.
You can’t usually tell by looking at water whether it’s hard or soft. Sometimes the feel of water and what it does to items in your dishwasher or washing machine can be a tip-off.
Signs of hard water include:
•Feeling a film on your hands after washing them. This is caused by the soap reacting with calcium to form soap scum. You may need to rinse your hands longer if the water is hard.
•Spots. These can appear on glasses and silverware coming out of the dishwasher. These are usually deposits of calcium carbonate.
•Mineral stains. These show up on clothes when they come out of the washing machine. Clothes can wear out faster because of the harshness of hard water.
•Less water pressure in your home. Mineral deposits can form in the pipes, essentially shrinking the interior diameter of the pipes and reducing water flow.
There are no serious adverse health problems associated with drinking hard water.
However, hard water can contribute to dry skin and hair. Washing your hair frequently with hard water can leave your scalp feeling itchy.
The minerals in hard water can also change the pH balance of your skin, weakening it as a barrier against harmful bacteria and infections. People with eczema may be especially vulnerable.
If you notice problems with dry skin and hair, you may want to look into a water-softening system for your home. If that isn’t possible, talk with a dermatologist about moisturizers and hair products you can use to combat the effects of hard water.
Because hard water contains high concentrations of magnesium and calcium, drinking hard water may help you get your recommended daily intake of these essential minerals.
There is some speculation that drinking hard water may have cardiovascular benefits, but there’s no definitive conclusion to back up that claim.
If your diet typically includes rich sources of calcium and magnesium, then there are likely no risks in drinking water with lower concentrations of these minerals.
If there are deficiencies in your diet, taking a multivitamin or calcium or magnesium supplements may be enough to meet your daily needs.
The bigger concern is for people with high blood pressure who could be susceptible to the blood pressure-raising effects of drinking water with a higher sodium content.
Just as some with high blood pressure are advised against adding salt to their food, they may be advised against softening their home drinking water.
Soft water is preferred for cleaning, as it doesn’t tend to cause soap scum or mineral stains.
Since it’s a more efficient and effective cleaning agent, you may save money on your water bill by not having to re-wash clothes or dishes, or taking longer showers to feel fully cleaned and rinsed.
A home water-softening system works by running hard water through a resin — a sticky, insoluble substance from certain trees and plants — that’s coated with positively charged sodium ions.
These are molecules with a net electric charge. Concentrations of sodium essentially replace the magnesium and calcium in the water.
Water softening units require ongoing maintenance, and sodium pellets need to be added to keep the resin electrically charged.
Some systems can use potassium pellets instead of sodium. There are also systems that use magnets, citric acid, or other means of reducing the calcium and magnesium concentrations in the water.
Bacteria and fungi can form on the resin of a water-softening system, so cleaning and maintaining the equipment is vital to keeping your water safe.
The bigger safety concern is the additional sodium in home drinking water. If you or someone in your home is on a low-sodium diet, you should talk with the manufacturer of the softening system to find out how much sodium is being added to the water.
You can also try to find a system that uses potassium instead of sodium to soften your drinking water. If you still have health concerns, talk with a cardiologist about how water softening could affect your blood pressure.
If your home has an old, untreated plumbing system, it’s a good idea to have your water tested for levels of lead and other contaminants. Many public water utilities will test home water samples for little to no cost.
Most people can safely drink hard or soft water with no side effects.
Higher sodium levels in soft water may be a concern for some people, but that can be managed with a potassium-based softening system.
If the sodium in soft water is a concern, you can try drinking bottled water and using your home’s soft water for laundry, dishwashing, and bathing.
If you’re interested in softening your water, shop around and talk with a plumber about how the system may affect your home’s plumbing. It’s also helpful to understand the maintenance requirements of a water-softening system before you buy one.
- James Roland
Hard water causes scaling in hot water systems, kettles, electric irons and domestic appliances. Scaling is defined as deposits of calcium and magnesium that build up on...
What Is Hard Water? Before reaching the municipal supply, water absorbs mineral content from rocks and soil. Some of this content, like calcium and magnesium, are hard minerals that not only make soap less effective.
Oct 19, 2024 · Hard water, water that contains salts of calcium and magnesium principally as bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates. Ferrous iron may also be present; oxidized to the ferric form, it appears as a reddish brown stain on washed fabrics and enameled surfaces.
Oct 2, 2023 · Understanding the causes and effects of hard water is crucial for individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their water sources. In this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive introduction to hard water, including its types, effects on skin and hair, and potential solutions.
