What is hard water?

Water is considered “hard” if it contains excessive amounts of certain minerals - particularly calcium and magnesium. These substances tend to leave a hard scale on surfaces that come in contact with the water they infiltrate. You can tell you have hard water if there's build-up on your sinks and bathtubs, or if you have to use large amounts of soap to clean dishes or wash your hair. In many instances, having hard water does not matter. For example, to put out fires, water your lawn, wash the mud off the streets or float your boat, water would have to be pretty hard to cause a problem. But for bathing, washing dishes and clothes, shaving, washing your car and many other uses of water, hard water is not as efficient or convenient as "soft water." Specifically: * You only use half as much soap cleaning with soft water. * Because hard water and soap combine to form “soap scum” that can’t be rinsed off, “bathtub ring” form on all surfaces and unsightly spots dry on your dishes. * When hard water is heated, the hardness minerals are re-crystallized to form hardness scale. This scale can plug your pipes and hot water heater, causing premature failure and necessitating costly replacement. * The soap scum remains on your skin even after rinsing, clogging your pores and coating every hair on your body. This crud can serve as a home for bacteria, causing diaper rash, minor skin irritation and skin that continually itches. * For many industrial uses, the hardness minerals interfere with the process, causing inferior product. Home Page | FAQs | Glossary | Contact Us