What Does Hardness In Water Mean?

Water Hardness

Water can be hard or soft, but do you know the difference between the two? Most people would prefer soft water since hard water can cause problems around your home. So what is hardness and what can you do to address hard water?

What causes hardness, and what does it do?

Pure water is composed of exclusively hydrogen, oxygen and absolutely nothing else -- no tastes, no smells, no colors. -- Known as the universal solvent, water will pick up some of whatever it comes into contact with, making the water less pure. When water travels through soil and rock, it dissolves and picks up a variety of minerals. Calcium and magnesium are the most common, these “hardness minerals”, find their way into your water, causing hardness in water.

When these “hardness minerals” start to build up on surfaces it is called “scale”. Over time, the scale can build up and become unsightly and cause problems in water-using appliances and fixtures around your home – especially hot water. In some cases, scale causes significant damage to water-using appliances, fixtures and pipes, resulting in costly repairs and even premature replacement.

How to eliminate scale from water

If your home is impacted by hard water or scale, you may have tried cleaning solutions specifically designed to remove limescale or hard water stains. While these cleaning agents will help reduce the visible effects of hard water on surfaces, it will not solve your hard water or scale problem. Rather than merely treat the symptoms, the best approach is to attack the source, the hardness in your water. A point-of-entry (POE) water treatment system, like a water softener, can be installed where your water enters your home to keep everything in your home, including your water pipes and appliances, free from the damaging effects of hard water.

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Consuming hard water is not harmful to your health. Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals and important for overall health; however, studies show food is a better source for nutrients rather than water.In addition, many people don’t like the taste of water containing a high level of hardness minerals.