Learn About Hard Water and How It Affects You

Hard water occurs naturally. As water travels through the ground, it comes in contact with and picks up minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These two minerals dissolved in water make it hard. Water hardness levels are measured in grains per gallon or parts per million (PPM). According to the US Geological Survey, 85% of water in the United States is hard. Though drinking hard water is not considered a health risk, it is the cause of many problems in your home.

Symptoms of Hard Water

• Soap Scum: Hardness minerals mix with soap and create a soap curd that clings to sinks, tubs, and showers, leaving a film that doesn’t rinse away easily.
• Scaled Surfaces: A white chalky buildup is often noticeable where water collects and evaporates, like on shower doors and around drains.
• Dingy Laundry: The same soap scum collects on clothing when washed, making it look dull — especially whites — and hard water minerals like iron can stain clothing.
• Scale on Water Fixtures: As hard water passes through your faucet or showerhead, hardness minerals are deposited, eventually restricting water flow.
• Scale in Water Pipes: Mineral deposits build up inside water pipes and reduce water pressure, and in extreme situations can lead to pipe replacements.
• Failed Water-Using Appliances: Scale build-up affects water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and coffee makers, ruining efficiency and over time causing complete appliance failure.
• Hair and Skin Problems: Hard water requires more soap and shampoo to lather, but doesn’t rinse completely, leaving residue that can cause dry, itchy skin or dull, unmanageable hair.

How to Treat Hard Water

A water softening system is used to treat hard water. Water softeners use ion exchange to replace the hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium ions) with sodium ions to make the water soft. Once the water is soft, it will be better for your skin, hair, fixtures, appliances, plumbing, clothing, and tableware. Water Doctor of Washington offers several non-electric, multi-tank water softener options based on your water source. To find out the condition of your water, including its hardness level, contact Water Doctor of Washington today to schedule a free water test.