You’ve probably heard the terms hard water and soft water thrown about a lot, but do you actually know which one you have coming through your faucets? Let’s look at the difference between the two, how to tell which you have, and what this means for the health and taste of your drinking water.
What’s the difference between hard water and soft water?
Soft water is the more natural form of water, compared to hard water which contains various minerals. Rainwater is classified as soft water as it falls from the clouds, but it then collects these different minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, on its journey after it reaches the ground. Soft water can contain some minerals, but it will be classified as hard water if it contains a certain amount.
Which is better for drinking?
Homeowners frequently complain about hard water because it leaves dull spots behind after washing glasses, while soft water leaves them with more of a sparkle. It can also negatively impact household appliances like dishwashers by leaving behind these mineral deposits and interfering with cleansers.
But does this mean hard water is worse for drinking? Actually, it’s the opposite. While soft water is still safe to drink, hard water is better for your health as it provides you with minerals that contribute to our overall health, like calcium for bone growth. Most people also prefer the taste of hard water over soft water.
Do you have hard or soft water?
The easiest way to notice you have hard water is by looking at your glasses and dishes after washing. If they look dull and have spots left behind, then this is likely caused by hard water. You might also notice scum accumulating around your sink, shower, and bathtub. Plus, hard water can affect your skin, leaving it feeling dry due to the residue it leaves behind.
Filtering tap water to remove impurities
If you want your drinking water to be as pure as possible, then you can install a water filter to remove any contaminants and minerals contained in it. You might want to do this if you don’t like the taste of hard water or if you want purer water for more effective cleaning.
Another option is to use a water softener to turn hard water into soft water. When used for cleaning purposes, this will ensure that your appliances stay in good condition, your dishes get cleaner, and you don’t have to use as much soap and detergent to get dishes and clothes clean. However, softened water contains higher levels of sodium, so it might not be the best option for your drinking water if you drink a lot of tap water.
Do you need a water filter to remove the impurities from your tap water? Or would you rather stick with bottled water for drinking or cleaning? Either way, get in touch with Mountain Park Spring Water for our spring water delivery service and filtration systems in Virginia and North Carolina.