Total Hardness And Water Quality
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Total Hardness and Water Quality
Understanding the Connection Between Hard Water and Quality
Many people are familiar with the concept of hard and soft water. The relationship between water hardness and quality is significant, as hard water can diminish the effectiveness of soap, requiring more to produce lather. Additionally, it can cause scale buildup in hot water pipes and appliances.
What is Hard Water?
Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sometimes iron. The more minerals present, the harder the water. Hardness is measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm). According to the American Society of Engineers:
- Soft: 0 to 3.5 gpg (0 to 60 ppm)
- Moderate: 3.6 to 7 gpg (61 to 120 ppm)
- Hard: 7.1 to 10.5 gpg (121 to 180 ppm)
- Very Hard: More than 10.5 gpg (more than 180 ppm)
The Impact of Hard Water on Quality
While safe for consumption and cooking, hard water can cause issues in the home:
- Plumbing: Scale buildup can occur inside pipes, especially those carrying hot water.
- Appliances: Hard water can reduce the efficiency of dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters. Refrigerators with water dispensers can also clog.
- Aesthetics: White, chalky deposits often appear on tubs, sinks, and cookware.
U.S. Water Quality
A 1997 National Water Quality Survey found that 20% of U.S. residents are dissatisfied with their home water quality. With 85% of the U.S. experiencing hard water, many people install water softeners to improve quality.
Identifying Hard Water
If you're unsure about your water quality, look for these signs:
1. Difficulty forming lather with soap.
2. Soaps and detergents are ineffective, leading to dingy laundry.
3. Soap leaves a film on skin and hair, causing dryness and dullness.
4. Persistent soap scum on tubs, tiles, and fixtures.
5. Scale buildup in cookware and plumbing.
6. Reduced water flow due to clogged pipes or appliances.
7. Rising water heating costs and frequent replacement of heating elements.
Improving Water Quality
Several treatments can enhance water quality:
- Electromagnetic Water Conditioners: These devices pass water through a magnetic field, altering the scale-causing properties of calcium and magnesium ions. While they don't soften water, they prevent scale buildup, extending the life of clothing and appliances.
- Water Filters: Useful for drinking water, filters remove chlorine and contaminants, though they don't prevent scale in pipes and heaters.
- Water Softeners: Available in chemical and mechanical forms, these systems replace calcium and magnesium with sodium. Chemical softeners improve laundering and bathing but aren't suitable for drinking water. Mechanical softeners enhance quality for nondrinking purposes, preventing limescale and improving appliance efficiency.
The Benefits of Soft Water
With hardness levels below 3.5 gpg or 60 ppm, soft water contributes to:
- Reduced usage of shampoo and soap, resulting in shinier hair and softer skin.
- Cleaner laundry with less detergent.
- Prolonged life for appliances and plumbing.
- Spot-free dishes and longer-lasting cookware.
- Less cleaning time by eliminating soap scum and scale buildup.
Conclusion
Understanding the relationship between total hardness and water quality can highlight the value of water treatment systems. Improving water quality, particularly for drinking, can enhance both convenience and household maintenance.
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