Hard water is water that presents with a higher mineral content in contrast with soft water that has a relatively low mineral content. It is the amount of minerals, magnesium carbonate, and calcium carbonate in your water. Evidence that you may have hard water in your home is soap scum found on shower tiles, bathtubs, and basins, or film left on the body that result in limp hair and dry skin. Other ways to detect hard water is if you notice a decreased cleaning capability in detergents and soaps, resulting in a reduced life of clothing and dingy laundry. There may also be an increased buildup of scale on cooking utensils and plumbing fixtures, as well as clogged pipes and shower fixtures. The best way to determine whether or not your water is hard is to get it tested.Hard Water Description and Treatment OptionsWater Hardness and AlkalinityWhat is “Hard Waterâ€?What Makes Water Hard and Hard to Treat ItWhile hard water is typically not harmful, it can pose serious issues in industrial settings. If water hardness is not properly monitored, it can cause costly breakdowns in cooling towers, boilers, and other industrial equipment. In home settings, hard water can shorten the life of appliances. Hard water can make it difficult to produce suds while washing. It can also leave a buildup on glassware and fixtures. When water hardness is a concern, the adverse effects can be reduced through water softening. Drinking Hard Water – Hazardous? [PDF]Hard WaterDrinking Hard WaterIdentifying Hard WaterIn the United States, more than 85 percent of homes have hard water. The softest water can be found in parts of New England, Pacific Northwest, South Atlantic-Gulf, and Hawaii. Moderately hard water is relatively common in many Tennessee Rivers, as well as the Alaska regions and Great Lakes. The hardest water in the U.S. is in streams in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Kansas, and southern California. The hardness of water primarily depends on the location and the water source, although hard water is certainly not confined to any one region or country. In locations where rainwater is subjected to acidic conditions and in areas that come in contact with limestone rock, the water will typically be harder. Water that comes from wells and water that comes from aquifers are also considerably harder than water found in public water supplies.Water Hardness [PDF]Hard Water AreasWhat Type of Water is the Hardest?Water HardnessA hard water filter is a useful device to have if you live in areas that have hard water. According to the United States Geological Survey, only 15 percent of American homes have what is considered “soft†water, meaning the majority of the country uses hard water in their homes and businesses. Hard water filters, commonly referred to as “water softenersâ€, work by removing impurities from tap water. It changes the components of water with the active ingredient in the filter being sodium chloride, or table salt. Sodium chloride is responsible for activating the beads that are formed from ion exchange resin. The resin then replaces the minerals found in hard water with minerals that are softer, such as sodium or potassium.Water Quality and Common TreatmentsHousehold Water TreatmentSofteners and Filters – How Do They Differ?Water Quality InformationThere are many benefits to using a hard water filter in your home or business. They provide a better taste and a better smell as the filter removes bacterial contaminants and chlorine. When homeowners purchase countertop filters, the result is a clean source of healthy water that is much cheaper than buying bottled water. Hard water filters can help decrease one’s risk of developing colon cancer, rectal cancer, and bladder cancer by eliminating chlorine and its byproducts from drinking water. Using a hard water filter can also provide healthier and cleaner water for cooking and is healthier on children’s developing immune systems. Finally, water filters offer a final line of defense between the body and more than 21,000 known toxins present in drinking water.Treatment Systems for Household Water SuppliesDrinking WaterHard WaterHard Water: To Soften or Not to Soften
