What is Hard Water?

• Hard water contains an excessive amount of naturally occurring minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium.
  
• The degree of hardness increases as the calcium and magnesium content becomes greater.
  
• Historically, this mineral-laden water was called "hard" because the minerals made it difficult to lather soap.
  
• While hard water can be a soap scum and plumbing fixture nuisance, it is not dangerous. Calcium and magnesium are essential nutrients that do not pose a public health hazard.
  
• Hard water is safe for drinking, cooking and other household uses.

How Does Water Become Hard?

• Water becomes hard by picking up minerals as it moves through soil and rock.
  
• Since water is a good solvent, it picks up minerals easily.
  
• It dissolves very small amounts of minerals and holds them in solution.

Hard deposits in the tub, on your dishes or in your tea pot are all signs of hard water. However, a large amount of suds from your bar soap or laundry detergent is a good indicator that your water is soft.

Indications of Hard Water

Hard water can interfere with cleaning tasks – from laundering and dishwashing to bathing and personal grooming. Other telltale signs of hard water include:

• Spots on dishes and glasses when dry.
  
• Soap scum or film on glass shower doors, shower walls, bathtubs, sinks and faucets.
  
• Decreased sudsing and cleaning capabilities of soaps and detergents, resulting in a shorten life span of clothes.

How is Hard Water Measured?

Water hardness is determined by the amount of calcium carbonate it contains. Water hardness can be measured in grains per gallon, parts per million, or milligrams per liter.

Household Tips to Combat Hard Water

• Use vinegar to reduce spots on dishes. Prevent mineral deposits from building up in your dishwasher by running it empty and adding vinegar when you hear the sprayer. You can also use store-bought products such as Jet-Dry and turn off the heated dry function of your dishwasher.
  
• Use phosphoric acid based cleansers when cleaning the bathtub or shower. These items can be purchased at home improvement, drug or grocery stores. Manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed.
  
• Use a soft cloth dampened with white vinegar to remove water spots from glass. Abrasive cleaning pads should not be used on glass. Check for special cleaning instructions before using phosphoric based cleansers if you have vinyl or aluminum window frames.