Most of us assume water is just water. But, it’s more intricate than this. Did you know that there are different water types? Soft water, boiled water, hard water, spring water, sparkling water, mineral water and filtered water, and that’s just to begin with! However, all water can divide into one of two distinct categories – hard water and soft water. Each category is very different and comes with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Soft Water: What Is It?
Soft water is deficient in minerals that hard water is profuse in. This water type can be naturally occurring or it can be produced through home water treatment. However, naturally occurring water isn’t necessarily drinkable due to pollution or contamination and will necessitate water purification. Because it’s scarce in minerals, soft water has a tendency to attract minerals where it can, pulling in other contaminants in the process.
Soft water advantages include feeling soft to the touch and not damaging appliances as much as hard water, due to a low mineral composition – this maintains the quality of your home plumbing. Soft water is also much better for your skin and hair, as it doesn’t dry it out as much as hard water.
Other soft water benefits are that you will see the benefits of better washing as hard water leaves behind a mineral residue. It’s also less corrosive than hard water, which can affect plumbing and cause limescale.
However, soft water drinking offers very little health benefits due to a low mineral composition.
Hard Water: What Is It?
Hard water is profuse in minerals such as iron, manganese, magnesium, and calcium. Rainwater is pure water, and when it falls into areas that consist of chalk deposits and limestone (such as rivers, lakes, and soil), the minerals in the bedrock filter into the water.
Hard water’s mineral composition gives it health benefits that soft water cannot provide, such as protecting your heart and bones – the mineral calcium, for example, helps prevent osteoporosis.
Whilst the health benefits are substantial, the minerals in hard water are not good for your hair and skin. This is due to it leaving behind residues that can cause skin problems, like acne, skin irritation and dryness.
Because of hard water’s high mineral concentration, it can cause problems with your plumbing. Issues such as limescale and clogging in the pipes are common occurrences with hard water. Fortunately, this issue can be prevented through an ion exchange process and a home water softener system.
Do I Have Hard Or Soft Water?
There’s an easy way to distinguish between the two. Soft water, due to being low in minerals, does not leave any visual clues and is relatively clear. It can leave your skin feeling very slippery after showering though. Because of its high mineral content, hard water is cloudy and leaves soap scum, spots on dishes and glasses, even after washing and drying and leaving a film on shower walls and doors. Hard water also dries your skin and hair. If you are still not sure, use our simple tool to check water hardness in your area.
Is your home suffering from the effects of hard water? Looking for a business that can improve the water in your home? If so, World Class Water can help.
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