What is Hard Water?
Hard water is water with a high level of minerals dissolved in it, primarily calcium and magnesium. The hardness of water is measured in grains per gallon, with anything above 7 GPG considered hard. California naturally has mineral-rich soil and relies heavily on groundwater, which enables hardwater conditions in many areas. Places like Southern California can have some of the hardest water in the country; therefore, it is a concern for many who live in such areas.
How Hardwater Affects Households:
Appliance Damages
Hard water can destroy home resources in a number of ways. Some of the worst sufferers of hard water among everyday appliances include dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters. These build up mineral deposits, commonly referred to as limescale, which efficiently shorten their life and cut down on their overall performance. For example, a water heater may have to work extra hard in heating water when there is a buildup of limescale around its heating elements; this not only increases energy bills but also leads to frequent repairs.
Plumbing Problems
These mineral deposits in the pipes will reduce the flow of water, causing clogs and resulting in expensive repairs. Scaling can cause such damage to pipes over time that the pipes may need to be replaced completely.
Cleaning Challenges
Hardened water is infamous for leaving noticeable spots on dishes and glassware; it makes them appear dirty after one has washed them. Moreover, hardwater makes laundry stiff and may cause a loss of color vibrancy due to mineral residue left on fabrics.
Soap Scum and Ineffective
Hard water does not interact well with soaps and detergents since it reduces their lathering nature. Consequently, this leads to the formation of soap scum on sinks, showers, and bathtubs and presents additional cleaning headaches.
How Hard Water Affects the Body:
The effects of hard water extend beyond appliances and plumbing into your body. While the calcium and magnesium in hard water are vital nutrients, their high concentration does create some problems:
Dry Skin and Hair
The minerals in hard water strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and irritated. Also, hair feels coarse after a wash in hardwater, is not shiny, and invariably breaks due to mineral deposits formed on the scalp.
Aggravation of Skin Conditions
This likely causes flare-ups in people with sensitive skin or those suffering from eczema, as hard water will break down the barrier of the skin, which is already less capable of holding onto its moisture.
Is the tap water in California Bad for us?
Tap water in California is controlled and regulated as some of the safest in the nation through the EPA and the State Water Resources Control Board. However, concern about water quality arises due to:
Hard Water
Much of California’s water comes from groundwater sources, which are naturally high in minerals. While these minerals do not make water unsafe, they do classify much of the state’s water as hard.
Contaminants
Keep this in mind: there might be contaminants of nitrates, arsenic, and lead in tap water in certain areas, especially from aging infrastructure or agricultural regions. Usually, these contaminants occur in very small quantities and well below the limits of legality under the standards set forth by the World Health Organization. However, even then, they may pose a risk for more sensitive people, such as children and pregnant women.
The Real Problem: Californians Do Not Meet The State Requirements
Nearly four hundred water systems providing nearly a million Californians do not meet the state requirements for safe and dependable drinking water reserves, and repairing them would cost Californians billions of tax dollars.
Additionally, two-thirds of these faulty water supplies serve neighborhoods of color, and more than half of these places are struggling with poverty and pollution, according to an assessment released by the State Water Resources Control Board.
These faulty water systems fail to provide potable, pure, wholesome water, which is required all the time. In some cases, the water violated the drinking water standard for bacteria, taste, chemicals, or odor. Others rely on bottled water because California has failed to meet the required treatment, monitoring, and other requirements.
Issues of Taste and Aesthetic
So, while hard water may not be a concern for drinking, many in California still suffer from poor water quality. Hardwater may have a more unpleasant taste due to the mineral content, though some people are not too bothered by it. It may discolor or become cloudy; therefore, despite being technically harmless, people may raise an eyebrow over drinking it.
What Can Homeowners Do to Combat Hard Water?
Fortunately, there are several ways in which people can soften hard water or reduce its effects:
Water Softeners: The best solution to hard water is a water conditioner. Such systems execute the principle of ion exchange, whereby calcium and magnesium ions are substituted with sodium or potassium ions. Water softeners protect appliances, reduce limescale buildup, and clean better.
Reverse Osmosis Systems: Reverse osmosis systems do a great job of removing contaminants and hardwater conditions. These systems purify water by removing all the minerals, salts, and other impurities, making it fit for consumption and cooking.
Regular Maintenance: Descaling appliances on a regular basis and periodically performing water heater maintenance will prolong the life spans of such appliances. Additionally, there are a variety of cleaning products manufactured for steps to be taken against hard water that can help clean soap scum and mineral deposits more efficiently.
Shower Filters: The shower filters remove some minerals from hardwater, hence reducing the adverse effects on skin and hair.
Professional Water Testing: If you need clarification on the hardness or quality of your water, professional testing will provide detailed information. Based on the results, you can conclude the most appropriate option for the treatment of water.
Take Control of Your Household’s Water Needs
Hard water is a common problem, though, in California and nationwide. Hardwater affects a household on so many different levels: everything from appliances and plumbing to skin and hair. So much of the impact goes well beyond an inconvenience. While generally safe, California tap water can be quite hard, hence becoming problematic for homeowners. Some possible solutions are water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, and regular maintenance. So invest in keeping hard water at bay from your home and your body. Knowing the makeup of your water will enable you to take control of your household’s water needs and provide peace of mind with long-term savings.
