Hard Facts about Soft Water

Many Americans still use hard water in their homes despite the problems it can cause. Clogged pipe, soap residue on bathroom fixtures and inefficient water heater operation are just some of the problems. Hard water often is tolerated because of several common myths about soft water.

Myth 1: You can’t drink soft water because it’s high in sodium.

Only a small percentage of dietary sodium comes from drinking water. In fact, only 150 milligrams of sodium are found in two quarts of soft water, as opposed to 280 mg in two quarts of cola and 960 mg in the same amount of milk. If this small amount of sodium is of concern, however, a drinking water filter system can provide sodium-free water.

Myth 2: Soft water tastes bad.

Little difference exists between soft water and hard water when it comes to taste. Soft water does not taste salty and, depending on the water source, nay even taste better than water straight from the tap.

Myth 3: Soft water has been stripped of important dietary minerals.

An in significant amount of minerals is absorbed from any drinking water. Food is the primary source for daily minerals.

Myth 4: Water is already softened by the local utility, so there’s no need for a water softener.

Some water utilities do soften their water supply but only enough to meet the federal government’s standard of “moderately hard” water. Even moderately hard water can reduce water flow from faucets, cause inefficient water heater and appliance operation and leave soap residue on bath fixtures. Home water softeners condition water to a level where those problems disappear.

Myth 5: Water softeners are too expensive to buy.

A water softener is the only household appliance that can save money by using it. Soft water can reduce water heater bills because it’s easier on the water heater and allows it to perform efficiently. Also, soft water requires less detergent to wash clothes than hard water does and less coffee to brew in a pot.

Myth 6: Showering in soft water makes the skin and hair feel slippery.

The first few showers in soft water may give the sensation that soap and shampoo haven’t been rinsed away. That “slippery” feeling, however, actually is skin and hair rinsing thoroughly clean. By washing with soft water, skin and hair retain natural moisturizing agents, feeling softer and smoother than skin pores clogged with soap residue from washing with hard water.

Myth 7: Water softeners waste water and salt.

Newer models are demand-controlled, meaning they recharge only when the softener’s hardness-removing capability is low. These models use less water and salt than manual, time-clock softeners, which recharge at a preset time whether the system needs regeneration or not.

Reference: The Healthy Home

Still not sure where you home's water falls into these myths? Call our office today to schedule for one of our technicians to come to your home and run water test.

Interpreting Your Water Report

Hardness                                       NJ Standard= 14.6 Grains/Gallon

Water hardness is basically a measure of dissolved minerals (usually calcium and magnesium) that can be found in water. The more common problems associated with hard water are:

Ã    White staining and soap scum buildup on faucets and fixtures.

Ã    Excessive use of soaps and detergents due to their reduced ability to clean properly.

Ã    Heating hard water in the water heater causes scale to form. This scale builds up on the inside of the heater and also in the plumbing system. This usually causes increased gas or electric bills and may lead to early failure of appliances. It can also cause problems in dishwashers, faucets, and automatic icemakers.

Ã    Spots on dishes and glassware.

Ã    Dry skin and dry hair.

Ã    Hardness minerals may cause unwanted tastes in cooked foods and may cause cloudy ice cubes.

According to the Water Quality Association of the United States; hard water is water that contains dissolved hardness minerals above 1 GPG (Grains Per Gallon). Levels of hardness have been established. They are:

Ã    Soft Water – Less than 1 grain per gallon

Ã    Slightly Hard – 1 to 3.5 grains per gallon

Ã    Moderately Hard – 3.5 to 7 grains per gallon

Ã    Hard – 7 to 10.5 grains per gallon

Ã    Very Hard --- 10.5 and higher grains per gallon

The most common way to effectively treat hard water is with an ion exchange water softener. This device uses an ion exchange process to replace hardness minerals with some other substance. The vast majority of water softening equipment today uses the exchange of hardness minerals for sodium.

Sizing is an important issue when the decision has been made to install a softener. A number of factors including average daily water usage, number of water outlets, and hardness levels must be considered.

pH                                                          NJ Standard= 6.5 to 8.5

pH is a measure of the balance of acidic and alkaline products. An over-abundance of acids will cause a pH lower than 7. An over-abundance of alkaline materials will cause a pH higher than 7. When the pH is lower than 7 the water will be corrosive to the plumbing system. Common signs of acidic water include blue or green staining and pitting, corrosion, or pinhole leaks in pipes. You may also want to test for lead if the pH is lower than 7.

Water that is higher than 8.5 pH will most likely be low in hardness, iron and manganese. It will also be difficult to disinfect with chlorine, cause scale formation inside plumbing, and may have a bubbly/foamy appearance.

Low pH can be corrected using an acid neutralizer. Water is run through a bed of a sacrificial mineral (such as calcite) to increase water’s pH to an acceptable level. Periodic replenishment of the calcite is required.

                              IRON                                                          NJ Standard= 0.3 PPM

One of the most common elements found on earth; it may cause staining at levels as little as 0.3 PPM (parts per million). The staining is usually a reddish-brown in color. Iron may also impart a foul taste to water. It is usually not visible when drawn (ferrous state), but will oxidize when combined with air (ferric state).

The standard for treatment has been established because of the aesthetic effects of stains and foul tastes. Moderate levels of iron can be removed with an ion exchange softener. Higher levels may require a specialized unit that utilizes manganese greensand which is regenerated with potassium permanganate.

PLEASE NOTE:

This sample was analyzed for the basic parameters of Hardness, Iron and pH which are necessary to determine the need; or lack thereof; for a particular type of water conditioning equipment. These tests will NOT determine the microbiological suitability or potability of the water being tested. For coliform bacteria and comprehensive VOC testing we recommend National Testing Labs, Cleveland, Ohio 1-216-449-2525.