You have probably heard of the term hard water with reference to the type of water supply a property has. Many consider it problematic, but it is not always clear what hard water is and what should be done about it.
Water rich in naturally occurring minerals is commonly called hard water. Specifically, the minerals and substances in question are salts of common metals such as magnesium or calcium which form complexes and are leached into a water supply.
As ground water passes through layers of limestone, gypsum and chalk to the natural aquifers where it collects, sulfates, magnesium and calcium carbonates dissolve in the water, making it 'hard'.
Well, while mineral water is enriched with the natural occurring metal complexes and salts that are present in a hard water supply, they are present in far lower concentrations than those of bottled mineral water making it a healthy and palatable beverage.
Technically yes. Drinking hard water makes a modest contribution to your daily requirements of magnesium and calcium, however, some people find it has a chemical, gritty or chalky taste.
If you live or work in a hard water area, the mineral deposits in your water supply can a variety of problems including:
• Scale build-up: the deposits cause formation of scale on machinery parts or heating elements that have prolonged contact with the hard water. This plaques and scales are associated with more frequent breakdowns in boilers, cooling equipment and washing machines with the added cost of repair and replacement.
• Poor detergent performance: Hard water impairs the effective formation of foam by soaps making it require more water, soap and energy for a thorough clean.
• Residues and staining: Clothing, bathtubs and sinks may have residues on them and hair washed in hard water may be more dull and brittle.
If hard water is becoming a problem for your home or business, you can cut costs and improve the performance of your appliances by adopting a water softening strategy.
Water softening involves the removal of the calcium and magnesium ionic complexes that have made the water hard reversing the disadvantages of using hard water and prolonging the life of equipment and appliances. Strategies can be as simple as adding white vinegar to a cleaning solution or use of a rinse aid or water conditioner in your wash, or tackling the hard water head on with a variety of water filtration techniques.
If you are a residential, commercial or business owner you may want to consider water softening for your entire water supply for the building. Advanced water softening systems can be installed in a domestic or commercial water supply to remove the water hardening minerals. Contact us today to find out more about our range of water softening systems and the benefits of having soft water in your home.
