What is Hard Water?

Water hardness refers to the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals present in water. Hard water contains higher levels of these naturally occurring minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. Many homeowners notice the effects of hard water during everyday activities, such as washing their hands. Instead of feeling clean and smooth, skin may feel slippery or coated with a thin film. This happens because soap reacts with calcium in hard water, forming a residue commonly known as soap scum. As a result, hard water requires more soap, shampoo, and detergent to achieve the same level of cleanliness for hands, hair, dishes, and laundry.

Hard water effects are also easy to see on glassware and dishes. If you have ever unloaded your dishwasher and noticed cloudy spots or a white film, that buildup is mineral residue left behind by hard water. While these deposits are not harmful, they can be frustrating to clean and affect the appearance of dishes. Hard water becomes an even bigger concern when it is heated. Inside water heaters, pipes, and water-using appliances, calcium carbonate can form a hard scale. This mineral buildup reduces energy efficiency, increases heating costs, shortens appliance lifespan, and can restrict water flow. The same process occurs in coffee makers and kettles, which is why many people periodically use vinegar to dissolve mineral scale.

What is Soft Water?

Many water supplies naturally contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, which contribute to hard water. Soft water, on the other hand, is water that has had these minerals removed, leaving it free from the scale-causing elements that can affect plumbing, appliances, and daily household use.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, approximately 85% of water in the United States is considered hard. Whether your water comes from a private well or a municipal system, there’s a high likelihood that you have hard water. While drinking hard water is generally not considered a health risk, it can cause numerous household issues, including scale buildup in pipes and appliances, cloudy dishes, soap scum, and even skin and hair problems such as dryness or irritation.

Water hardness is typically measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm). Water with as little as one grain per gallon is classified as slightly hard, while higher measurements indicate increasingly hard water. Understanding your water’s hardness level is the first step toward determining whether a water softening system or other treatment solution is necessary to improve water quality, protect your plumbing, and enhance everyday comfort in your home.