Soft water and hard water are terms that refer to the mineral content of water. Water that contains high levels of minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium, is known as hard water. On the other hand, water that contains low levels of minerals is known as soft water.

While the mineral content of water may not seem like a big deal, it can actually have a significant impact on your daily life. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between soft and hard water, the effects of hard water on your home and appliances, and the benefits of using soft water.

What is hard water?

Hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium. These minerals can enter the water supply through natural sources such as rock formations and soil, or they can be added to the water during the treatment process.

Hard water is not harmful to consume, but it can cause a variety of problems in your home. The most common issues associated with hard water are:

What is soft water?

Soft water, on the other hand, is water that contains low levels of minerals. Soft water is typically created through a process called water softening, which removes the minerals from the water using a substance called a “water softener.”

There are several benefits to using soft water in your home, including:

There are a few ways to test for hard water:

  1. Use a home test kit: These kits are readily available at home improvement stores and online. They usually come with a test strip that you can use to determine the hardness of your water.
  2. Use soap and water: Fill a jar with equal parts water and liquid soap. Shake the jar and if the water is hard, you will see a lot of suds. If the water is soft, there will be very few suds.
  3. Look for signs of hard water: Some common signs of hard water include spots on dishes and glassware, soap scum on bathtubs and showers, and a build-up of scale on pipes and water heaters.
  4. Have your water tested: You can also have your water tested by a professional laboratory to determine the exact hardness of your water.