Hard Water: What It Is and Why It’s a Problem

If the water supply that comes into your home delivers what’s known as hard water, you probably have noticed some of the unmistakable signs. Atlantic Coast Water Clinic of South Florida would like to share an overview of exactly what hard water is, the problems it can cause, and the solution to those problems.

Hard water signs

Obviously, all water is liquid, so it’s never “hard.” The description “hard” is given to water that contains large amounts of calcium and magnesium. Most often, this water comes from municipal water supplies.

The harder the water is, the more you’ll notice certain signs:

• A slightly bitter, “rough” taste when drinking it
• Spots on dishes and cookware
• Limescale buildup on bathroom and kitchen faucets
• Low volume of suds from washing detergents and soap
• Possible skin irritation and itchiness after bathing

Molecular composition of hard water

Calcium is the key mineral that causes water to be defined as “hard.” A grains-per-gallon measurement is used to determine the hardness of water, with 0.002 ounces of calcium carbonate constituting one grain. Extremely hard water is tested at more than 7.5 grains of calcium per gallon of water. This is a very high concentration and calls for treatment with a water softener. Very soft water is water containing 0 to 3 grains of calcium per gallon. Water tested between 3 and 7 grains per gallon is considered average.

How does water become hard?

Water comes from rain, which falls to the earth and penetrates the ground. There, it absorbs naturally occurring calcium, magnesium, iron and other minerals. Municipal water suppliers collect this water for delivery to their customers. The water gets basically “treated,” but the minerals causing hard water are not removed, and the delivered water often contains some degree of hardness.

Solving hard water issues

If your city sends very hard water into your home and it’s causing some of the problems listed above, the solution is a water softening system. Quality water softeners can treat some or all of the water that enters your home. A water softener works with beads in a resin bed that pull hard-water-causing minerals out of the incoming water. It’s an ingenious technology that does a fantastic and noticeable job.

With a water softening system, you’ll experience:

• Water that tastes so good, you can’t seem to get enough of it
• Dishes that aren’t all spotty
• Cookware that gets clean and stays clean with no ugly hard water buildup
• Faucets that remain clean and new-looking
• Clothes that get cleaner with more soft water suds
• A body that doesn’t itch from excess hard water minerals
• A happier life, at least where water is concerned

Look into a water softener for your home

Atlantic Coast Water Clinic serves Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Hobe Sound and other South Florida communities with the solutions people need for all their water concerns. We install best-in-class water softening and water purification systems that will make an instant improvement in the quality of your water.

Learn more about the value of water softening technology by calling (772) 283-4767 or reaching out through our simple contact form.