What is Hard Water?
Hard water (or water hardness) refers to the mineral content within the water. Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. Water falling from the sky is considered soft because it has yet to come in contact with minerals.
The water that comes out of the tap has made a long journey to get there, and along the way, it will have picked up any number of contaminants, minerals, and heavy metals that affect the “hardness.” This hardness can differ depending on the area and source of the water. Hard water forms when water percolates through deposits of limestone, chalk, or gypsum, which are composed mainly of calcium and magnesium carbonates, bicarbonates, and sulfates. The hardness of water is measured by the concentration of multivalent cations in the water, typically calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions.
Hard water forms when water percolates through deposits of limestone, chalk, or gypsum, which are composed mainly of calcium and magnesium carbonates, bicarbonates, and sulfates. The hardness of water is measured by the concentration of multivalent cations in the water, typically calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions.
Water Hardness Level Classification in Australia
The amount of mineral content determines hardness, measured in milligrams per litre. The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines define elevated hardness as 200 milligrams of calcium and magnesium salts per litre of water.
The classification of water hardness can vary, but generally follows these categories:
| Water Hardness (mg/L) | Classification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 60 mg/L | Soft water | Soft but possibly corrosive |
| 60 mg/L to 200 mg/L | Moderately hard to hard water | Good quality |
| 200 mg/L to 500 mg/L | Hard water | Increasing scaling problems |
| More than 500 mg/L | Very hard water | Severe scaling |
Australian Water Hardness Map
Signs of Hard Water
It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that hard water would taste different, but that’s not necessarily the case. A metallic taste is a strong indicator of hard water, but there are other symptoms that you can keep an eye out for when evaluating hardness:
- Stains on bathtubs or toilets that keep reappearing after cleaning
- Deposits on faucets and fixtures
- Soap scum or residue that is hard to wipe away
- Difficulty effectively washing clothes or dishes
- Running out of hot water too quickly
- Persistently clogged pipes
How to Test Whether Your Tap Water Is Soft or Hard
There are several simple methods to determine the hardness of your tap water. Below, we cover the soap test, visual inspection, at-home test kits, and professional testing options.
The Soap Test
One of the easiest and most effective ways to test water hardness at home is the soap test. This method works because hard water, which contains high concentrations of minerals like calcium and magnesium, interacts differently with soap than soft water.
Materials Needed
- Two clean, detergent-free, clear bottles or containers with lids
- Tap water (from your faucet)
- Soft water (as a comparison, you can use distilled or bottled water labeled “soft”)
- Pure liquid soap, such as Castile soap
Steps to Perform the Soap Test
- Fill the Bottles:
- Fill one bottle about 1/3 full with tap water from your home.
- Fill the second bottle 1/3 full with soft water as a reference sample.
- Add Soap:
- Add a few drops (5-10 drops) of pure liquid soap to each bottle.
- Shake Gently:
- Close the lids securely.
- Gently shake each bottle for 10-15 seconds, enough to mix the soap but not create too much foam from air.
- Observe the Results:
- Let the bottles sit for about 1-2 minutes.
- Soft Water (Reference Sample): Expect lots of fluffy bubbles with clear water underneath.
- Tap Water: If the tap water forms minimal bubbles and the water appears cloudy or has a scum layer, it indicates hard water due to high mineral content. If the tap water forms abundant bubbles and remains clear, it indicates soft water.
Visual Inspection
In addition to the soap test, you can look for common signs of hard water around your home:
- Limescale Buildup: White, chalky deposits around faucets, shower heads, and in appliances like kettles or coffee makers.
- White Residue: Spotting or white residue on clean dishes and glassware.
- Soap Scum: Film or soap scum buildup in sinks, bathtubs, or showers.
- Faded Laundry: Clothes and linens may look dingy or worn out quickly.
- Dry Skin and Hair: Hard water can cause dryness, making skin feel tight and hair appear brittle after washing.
These are clear indicators that your tap water may be hard, as soft water typically doesn’t leave these residues.
At-Home Test Kits
For a more precise measurement of water hardness, you can use an at-home water test kit. These kits are widely available and provide an easy way to measure mineral content.
Steps to Use a Test Kit:
- Purchase a Test Kit: Available from home improvement stores or online.
- Follow Instructions: Typically, you’ll dip a test strip into a sample of still water for a specified time.
- Check the Results: Compare the colour change on the strip to the provided colour chart.
- Interpretation: The chart will indicate the hardness level based on the concentration of minerals in the water, often measured in PPM (parts per million) or GPG (grains per gallon). Water with more than 120 PPM or 7 GPG is considered hard.
Professional Testing
For the most accurate and detailed analysis, you can opt for professional testing:
- Local Municipality: Contact your local water authority or municipality, as they often have data on the hardness of tap water in your area.
- Third-Party Lab: Send a water sample to a certified laboratory for comprehensive testing of mineral content and water hardness.
Is hard water bad for you?
There are differing opinions on whether hard water is actively harmful to people. What we know for sure is that it’s not good for your fixtures. Minerals cause limescale and build-up on fixtures, and that white stuff that bubbles around the bottom of your kettle is a sign that hardness is affecting your appliances. If you’re spending your afternoons wiping down the shower screen, that’s another sign your water is hard.
In the video above, we show you the differences, and best of all, this is a test you can perform at home.
Why would you want soft water?
Researchers from the University of Sheffield and King’s College London have discovered that exposing the skin to hard water damages the skin barrier which is our defence against outside threats such as bacteria or sun burn and increases the sensitivity of the skin to potential irritants found in every day wash products such as soap or washing powder.
Studies show that soft water benefits the skin, especially for people with skin conditions. Our customers often reply and tell us the difference it has made in their skin. On top of that, the harder your water is, the more difficult it will be to get your hands or hair clean, as you’ll need more soap and shampoo.
In addition to reducing the lifetime of your appliances and fixtures, hard water can lead to blocked pipes and shower heads that restrict flow due to scale build-up.
Hard Water Treatment Options
Hard water, characterised by high mineral content (primarily calcium and magnesium), can cause various issues in your home, from scale buildup in pipes and appliances to dry skin and hair. Fortunately, there are effective solutions to address hard water problems, with whole home water filtration systems and reverse osmosis water filter systems being two popular options.
Whole Home Filtration Systems
A whole home water filtration system, such as the Complete Home System CHF-6000, offers a comprehensive solution for treating hard water throughout your entire house.
How It Works
- Ion Exchange: The system uses a process called ion exchange to soften water. As hard water passes through a resin bed, calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for sodium or potassium ions, effectively reducing water hardness.
- Multi-Stage Filtration: In addition to softening, these systems often incorporate multiple filtration stages to remove other contaminants, ensuring clean, safe water for all household uses.
Benefits
- Treats water at the point of entry, providing softened water to all taps and appliances
- Protects plumbing and water-using appliances from scale buildup
- Improves the effectiveness of soaps and detergents
- Reduces dry skin and hair issues associated with hard water
Reverse Osmosis Systems
While primarily designed for drinking water purification, reverse osmosis water filters can also effectively reduce water hardness.
How It Works
- Pre-filtration: Water first passes through sediment and carbon filters to remove larger particles and chlorine.
- Reverse Osmosis Membrane: The heart of the system, this semi-permeable membrane, removes up to 98% of dissolved solids, including the minerals that cause water hardness.
- Post-filtration: A final polishing filter ensures the water tastes great and is free of any remaining impurities.
Benefits
- Provides extremely pure drinking water
- Effectively removes hardness minerals along with other contaminants
- Ideal for households primarily concerned with drinking water quality
Choosing the Right Solution
When deciding between a whole home water filtration system and a reverse osmosis system for hard water treatment, consider the following factors:
- Scope of Treatment: If you want to address hard water throughout your entire home, a whole home system is the better choice. For drinking water only, an RO system may suffice.
- Water Usage: Whole home systems can handle higher water flow rates, making them suitable for larger households.
- Maintenance: Both systems require regular maintenance, but whole home systems typically need less frequent filter changes.
- Cost: Initial investment for whole home systems is generally higher, but they can provide long-term savings by protecting appliances and plumbing.
- Water Waste: RO systems produce some wastewater during the filtration process, which may be a concern in water-scarce areas.
