What is Hard Water?
Hard water is rich in minerals such as calcium and manganese. This is because when rainwater falls onto sedimentary rock such as chalk and limestone, it dissolves and collects the minerals it comes into contact with. The rainwater is collected and processed by water companies, from boreholes, rivers and reservoirs. It is then delivered to properties via a water mains system. Although the water has been processed to be safe to drink, it retains most of its mineral content. This can result in scale deposits, also known as limescale.
How Do I know if I Live in a Hard Water Area?
There are normally obvious signs that your water supply is hard. For example, scale build-up in your kettle and rougher feeling clothes after washing. Your local water company should be able to provide a guide as to how hard the water in your area is. However, often these estimates are inaccurate. As a result, your water supply may actually be a lot harder than you anticipate.
A large area of the UK suffers from hard water due to geological factors. If you are concerned about the hardness of your water we recommend having an independent water analysis.
Hard Water Testing
As part of our services, Southern Counties Watersoftener Services can perform hard water testing and water analysis. Our water testing service will give you a much more accurate result as to how hard your water really is. If you happen to live in a hard water area, we can recommend water softeners and tap filters which will treat the water by removing the mineral content.
Hard Water Vs Soft Water
Although hard water does offer some health benefits such as fulfilling dietary intake of calcium and magnesium, the benefits of soft water often outweigh any advantages hard water can offer.
For example, soft water will not cause limescale deposits to build up inside heating systems and appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers, meaning your appliances will last longer. Your consumption of bathing products, shampoos, soaps and detergents will decrease because they will lather up better and go further. Dishes and glasses will gleam after washing due to the lack of mineral deposits which can dull and tarnish glass and ceramic surfaces. Washing will feel softer because soft water is less abrasive on fabrics. Furthermore, soft water can alleviate skin problems such as dry skin and eczema.
Is Soft Water Safe to Drink?
In most cases, soft water is perfectly safe to consume. The amount of sodium intake through drinking soft water is minimal in comparison to the amount of salt that we get from sodium-rich foods. In addition, many of the water softener units available on the market have the option to have a tap which bypasses the softening unit. As a result, you can have access to harder water any time you wish.
Contact Southern Counties Watersoftener Services Ltd
If you have any questions relating to soft and hard water, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable water engineers can discuss your concerns and advise whether the installation of water softeners or water filters is right for you.