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What Is Hard Water?


Hard Water 101

Hard water sounds like an oxymoron. How can water be hard? The term ‘HARD’ refers to the minerals, calcium and magnesium, that have dissolved in the water. When looking at running water the hardness is virtually undetectable to the naked eye. The proof comes later in the form of scale buildup, hard-to-remove spots on your shower doors and glasses, and even worse —  increased utility bills. Our team at NuvoH2O explains what hard water is, and how our home water treatment systems can help eliminate hard water in your household. Get in touch with us today to find the right system for your needs!

What Is Hard Water?


Hard water is a common water quality issue that many people encounter in their daily lives. Simply put, hard water contains a high concentration of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, which it absorbs from the earth as it flows through underground rock formations. These minerals dissolve in the water, making it 'hard' and less suitable for various household purposes. When hard water is heated, it tends to form mineral deposits, commonly known as limescale, in appliances and plumbing fixtures. Understanding hard water is essential for homeowners, as it can have a significant impact on the efficiency and longevity of appliances, the quality of your laundry and dishes, and even the health of your skin and hair. In the following sections, we'll delve deeper into the causes, effects, and solutions related to hard water, helping you make informed decisions about water quality in your home.

Do you have hard water?

As water falls from the sky and begins its journey to your house’s pipes, it will wind up spending a good amount of time meandering through all kinds of earth, dissolving and carrying minerals along the way. Depending on where you are in the country will determine what type and level of hardness you’ll experience. Below you will find a map of the United States and the varying hard water levels throughout.

HARD WATER MAP OF THE UNITED STATES

Why should you care?

Hard water is bad for your home, specifically your pipes, water heater, appliances, faucets and glassware, and showers. As hard water runs through the pipes of your house, to your appliances, or out of your faucets it leaves trace amounts of mineral deposits behind. As water evaporates or dries up, the minerals are left behind. It’s a gradual process but considering how often water is run through your home, scale buildup can show up quickly causing all sorts of problems. Have you ever turned on your kitchen sink to find the faucet head spraying every which way? Has your dishwasher stopped washing as well as it did when it was new? Have you started noticing a white film develop on your shower door that just won’t wash off? All of these are indications of a hard water problem.

Effects of Hard Water on Household Appliances

When hard water passes through our appliances, it leaves behind mineral deposits known as limescale. This buildup can significantly impact the efficiency of appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters. Over time, limescale can lead to costly repairs or replacements. Implementing effective home water treatment systems can mitigate these issues, extending the life of our appliances and saving us money in the long run.

How Hard Water Affects Skin and Hair

Using hard water for bathing can lead to dry skin and hair. The minerals in hard water can strip natural oils, resulting in a dull appearance and potential irritation. Our home water filtration systems can help soften the water, providing a gentler and more beneficial bathing experience.

It gets worse

The real damage is the unseen — and it develops day by day, layer by layer until it causes the point of failure. You’ll only know what is happening by the increase in your utility bills. Your water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher are not running efficiently anymore due to scale build-up on the heating elements and inside the pipes.

 

Just one millimeter of limescale build-up reduces heating element efficiency by 7%. That equates to about $300 per year. And it has the potential to shorten the lifespan of your major appliances by 30%. At NuvoH2O®, we find that most people want to find a hard water treatment option that helps them protect the significant investment they have made in their homes.

Benefits of Saltless Water Filtration

Saltless water filtration systems are an excellent alternative for those looking to soften their water without the use of salt. These systems work by using a different process to reduce mineral content while maintaining essential nutrients in the water. By choosing a saltless option, we can enjoy the benefits of soft water while being environmentally conscious.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

To ensure our home water treatment systems are functioning effectively, regular maintenance is crucial. This includes checking filters, ensuring proper settings, and replacing components as needed. By keeping our systems well-maintained, we can ensure optimal performance, leading to cleaner and softer water throughout our homes.

A Silver Lining

Hard water has gotten a bad rap. Although hard water is bad for your home, it is not bad for you, your family, and your pets to drink or bathe in. The World Health Organization and the National Research Council have found that hard water can be an important source of calcium and magnesium.


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A clear understanding of what hard water is and its implications is essential for maintaining the overall quality of your water supply and ensuring the efficient operation of household appliances. By identifying the signs of hard water and taking proactive steps to address it, you can enjoy the benefits of softer, more manageable water in your daily life. If you have further questions or need assistance in dealing with hard water issues, our experts are here to help. Contact our team at NuvoH2O today to learn more about what hard water is, water softening solutions, water quality testing, and how to improve your home's water quality. Don't let hard water stand in the way of enjoying cleaner, more efficient, and healthier water — take action today for a better tomorrow.