Households all across the country experience issues with hard water. The problem is worse in some locations as compared to others, but how many homeowners like any amount of hardness in their water? Knowing what causes it can help alleviate some of the frustration. Likewise, understanding the solutions offers homeowners a path forward.
The Definition of Hard Water
Hard water is defined as water with excess levels of dissolved minerals. The two most common minerals are calcium and magnesium. Water becomes hard when it gradually percolates through mineral-rich rocks like limestone and gypsum. The water picks up the minerals as it moves through.
There are two types of water hardness to consider:
Temporary – Temporary hardness is the result of dissolved bicarbonate minerals that can be reduced or completely eliminated simply by boiling. Bringing water to a boil precipitates the minerals out of it.
Permanent – Permanent hardness is also the result of bicarbonate minerals. However, boiling the water does not adequately address the issue. Other, more aggressive means are necessary to remove the minerals.
The line between temporary and permanent hardness is often the level of minerals found in a water sample. The higher the level, the more likely it is that you are looking at a permanent hardness situation. Higher concentrations of calcium and magnesium are harder to remove via boiling alone.
Homeowners Aren’t Doing Anything Wrong
Superior Water & Air, an HVAC and plumbing services provider operating throughout Utah, explains that water hardness is not due to anything on a homeowner’s end. Water hardness doesn’t signify that a homeowner is doing something wrong. Rather, it is a result of natural forces.
Regions with a high incidence of limestone and chalk deposits are at higher risk for hard water. That’s why hard water is such a problem in the Midwest and southwest regions.
What Homeowners Can Do About It
Fortunately, homeowners do not have to live with hard water. If they want to address it, there are multiple ways to do so.
1. Short-Term Solutions
To make things easier, I have divided the many hard water solutions into short- and long-term categories. Under the short-term category, the first solution is to boil water intended for drinking or cooking. Following boiling with decanting should produce a softer and cleaner-tasting water.
Other short-term solutions include:
- Baking Soda – Baking soda can neutralize the impacts of hard water for bathing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Rinsing hair or skin with diluted apple cider vinegar can counteract mineral buildup.
- Vinegar and Lemon Juice – For cleaning purposes, vinegar and lemon juice can help break down mineral deposits.
In the short term, these solutions are designed to help counteract the effects of hard water. But if you actually want to get rid of the hardness, a long-term solution is in order.
2. Long-Term Solutions
Long term solutions begin with installing filters on shower heads and faucets. Filters remove most of the mineral deposits, making for better showering and cooking. Here are two additional solutions:
- Water Softeners – A water softener is the most effective long-term solution for temporary and permanent hardness.
- Filtration Systems – A filtration system can address both hardness and other potential contaminants in the water.
Hard water can be quite bothersome. It can leave you feeling less than clean after a shower or bath. It can leave behind deposits that appear as scum in your shower and kitchen sink. But you do not have to live with it. If temporary solutions don’t do the trick, contact a company that can install a water softener or filtration system.