Not all tap water is the same. You’ve likely heard of “hard” and “soft” water, but do you know what the differences are? More importantly, do you know which is the better choice for you?
Read more about hard water vs. soft water here, and discover which option is right for you and your family.
Hard Water vs. Soft Water
Simply put, hard water is water that has a high concentration of minerals, like magnesium or calcium. In its natural state, water is naturally soft and doesn’t contain dissolved minerals, but it picks them up when it passes through rocks or soil. Hard water is preferable in some situations, such as for drinking, but it does have negative effects on appliances and skin.
Soft water is closer to water’s natural state. This is achieved naturally or through specialized filtration devices that remove the additional mineral content. Compared to hard water, soft water has a salty taste, but it can improve the longevity of appliances and the effectiveness of detergents and soaps.
The Downsides of Hard Water
Hard water may taste better than soft, but it has some significant downsides that outweigh this benefit. The mineral deposits in hard water can create a scale buildup in pipes and appliances, which shorten their lifespan and cause wear and tear over time. Scale also requires more frequent cleaning of appliances and surfaces that come in contact with hard water.
Hard water also interferes with your soap and detergent’s ability to properly clean, due to the concentration of magnesium and calcium. Because of this, you need to use more soap and detergent to get the same results, and you may still experience soap scum in showers, water spots on glasses and clothing that wears and fades faster.
Energy bills are also higher with hard water, since appliances need to work much harder. Homes with a water softener have much lower energy bills than those that suffer from hard water.
The Downsides of Soft Water
Soft water has many benefits for appliances, energy costs and the condition of skin and hair, but there are a few things to consider.
When the mineral content of hard water is removed, the sodium content increases. This leads to a salty taste and can affect those with a heart condition who are on a low-sodium diet.
For most people, however, these considerations aren’t enough to offset the many advantages of having soft water.
Find the Right Water Softener Solution at EcoWater Systems
Fortunately, there are ways to preserve the mineral content in your hard water, while also reaping the benefits of better efficiency, longer-lasting appliances and soft skin. At EcoWater Systems, we provide a variety of options for softening your water, all tailored to your specific needs. From reverse osmosis to water filtration to water softeners, we’re certain we can find a solution that gives you great-tasting water, along with the many benefits of soft water.
Contact us today to see what we have to offer!