What Is Hard Water and How Does It Affect You

What is hard water? How does it differ from soft water?

In this article, we will be explaining what hard water is, how it forms, how to measure it, its effects on your home and health, and ways to manage it.

Understanding Hard Water

Hard water is water that contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. While these minerals are not harmful per se, they can cause a range of issues in household systems and appliances.

For one thing, they interact differently with soaps, pipes, appliances, as well as our bodies.

How Hard Water Forms

Hard water begins as soft rainwater. As this rainwater travels through the ground, it picks up minerals like calcium and magnesium carbonates.

As the water continues its journey, it absorbs more minerals, contributing to the overall hardness.

The water’s mineral content is further influenced by how it interacts with different rock formations. As it passes through these geological layers, it picks up various dissolved minerals, including calcium and bicarbonate ions.

This process not only increases water hardness but can also explain the variability in water hardness levels across different regions.

Measuring Water Hardness

Water hardness is typically measured in grains per gallon (GPG). It can also be measured in PPM (parts per million) or mg/L (milligrams per liter). For context, one GPG is roughly equivalent to 17.1 ppm.

Water hardness levels, also known as total hardness, are classified as follows:

• Slightly hard: 17.1 to 60 mg/L
• Moderately hard: 60 to 120 mg/L
• Hard: 120 to 180 mg/L
• Very hard: over 180 mg/L

Temporary hard water, which contains primarily calcium and bicarbonate ions, can be softened by boiling.

However, permanent hard water, which includes sulfate ions, cannot be softened this way.

Effects of Hard Water on Household Systems

Hard water can wreak havoc on household systems through scale buildup – a hard, crusty deposit that forms inside pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Over time, this buildup will narrow the pipe diameter, leading to slow drains and reduced water pressure. Left untreated, the scale can cause total blockages, resulting in plumbing backups and costly repairs.

The efficiency and lifespan of appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters are also reduced by hard water.

For example, scale buildup in these appliances can lead to poor water circulation, unsightly spots on dishes, and clogged water inlet valves.

Hard water can also cause rust and corrosion on fixtures, further weakening them over time.

Soap Scum and Cleaning Challenges

One of the most noticeable effects of hard water is its interaction with soap, which results in a sticky soap curd or scum-like substance.

Soap scum will not only reduce the cleaning efficiency of soap, but it can also lead to the formation of scum rings in bathtubs and deposits on various surfaces.

For example soap scum deposits can be found on dishes, bathtubs, showers, and other water fixtures.

Health Implications of Hard Water

Drinking hard water can help you reach the recommended daily intake of calcium and magnesium.

These minerals are essential for various bodily functions, including bone health and muscle function.

There is even some speculation that drinking hard water may have cardiovascular benefits, though these claims have not been definitively proven.

It’s worth nothing, however, that individuals with eczema may be more vulnerable to the adverse effects of hard water, experiencing exacerbated symptoms when exposed to high mineral content.

Regional Variations in Water Hardness

Drinking water hardness varies significantly by region as it’s influenced by local geology and water sources, as well as calcium and magnesium concentrations.

For instance, the median water hardness across the UK ranges from 16.02 mg/L to 331.50 mg/L, measured in calcium carbonate equivalent.

In England, tap water is significantly harder compared to Scotland, with median hardness values of 192.90 mg/L and 32.87 mg/L as CaCO3 equivalent, respectively.

This difference is due to the varying geological formations that water passes through before reaching taps.

Solutions for Managing Hard Water

Water softening systems use ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium ions. More specifically, they replace the minerals with sodium or potassium ions, which results in softened water.

Citric acid is another solution; it works by chelating minerals, rendering them soluble and preventing scale buildup.

Whole house water filtration systems can also be effective, not only softening water but reducing common contaminants like chlorine.

Water Softening Techniques

Reverse osmosis is another water softening method, which works by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This process removes hardness minerals and provides pure water suitable for drinking and household use.

Understanding Hard Water

While hard water presents various challenges, it also offers some health benefits. By staying informed and proactive, you’ll be able to manage hard water effectively, enhancing your quality of life and protecting your household systems.

Key Takeaways

• Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can lead to scale buildup in pipes and appliances, reducing their efficiency and lifespan
• Water hardness is caused by rainwater traveling through the ground and absorbing minerals
• Managing hard water involves using water softening techniques (e.g. using a water softener, citric acid chelation, whole house filtration systems)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hard water?

Hard water refers to water that contains high levels of calcium and magnesium ions, which can lead to problems in household systems and appliances.

How does hard water form?

Hard water forms when rainwater absorbs minerals like calcium and magnesium carbonates as it travels through rocks and soil. This process leads to the accumulation of minerals in the water.

Is hard water bad for my health?

No, hard water is not bad for your health and can actually be a source of calcium and magnesium for your body.

How can I measure water hardness?

To measure water hardness, you can use units such as grains per gallon (gpg), parts per million (ppm), or milligrams per liter (mg/L). Refer to the classifications for different levels of hardness.

What can I do to manage hard water?

To manage hard water, consider using a water softener (i.e. ion exchange and reverse osmosis). Preventative measures can also help reduce scale buildup.