What is hard water?
Hard water is water that contains high levels of “hard” minerals, particularly magnesium and calcium. Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon (gpg). For water to be considered hard, it must measure above 3.5 gpg. So why does it matter whether the water flowing through your plumbing system is hard? For starters, hard water can cause wear and tear on your appliances, lead to buildup on showerheads and plumbing fixtures, and leave laundry looking dull, discoloured, and stiff.
Effects of hard water on hair and skin
As a homeowner, the quality of the water coming from your faucets can be an important concern. Do you know whether your water is hard? Hard water contains high levels of certain minerals, and the hardness of your water depends on where you live, as levels can vary from one region to another depending on the water source and treatment process. Although hard water is generally not harmful to your health, it can have a significant effect on your hair and skin. Here’s what hard water is, how it can affect your body, and how to determine whether it may be time to address the issue with a water softening solution.
How does hard water affect my hair?
The minerals found in hard water can make it difficult to rinse your hair thoroughly, causing buildup that can leave residue behind. You could wash your hair several times a day thinking it would solve the problem, but every time you step out of the shower, you may experience the same results. The problem may be your water, not your wash, rinse, and repeat routine. Watch for the following signs that hard water may be affecting your hair:
- Hair that feels wispy or straw-like, looks dull and limp, and eventually becomes less manageable
- Colour-treated hair that fades quickly, leading to more frequent colouring treatments and additional hair damage
- Shampoo residue left in your hair
- Difficulty working shampoo into a lather
- Thinning hair and breakage caused by hard water
- Hair loss
How does hard water affect my skin?
The most common effect of hard water on the skin is dryness. Just as with your hair, hard water can make it difficult to rinse soap completely from the surface of your skin, leaving it dry and potentially irritated. In addition, if you have sensitive skin, psoriasis, or eczema, hard water may aggravate these conditions by drying out your skin even further.
When hard water comes into contact with your skin, some of the minerals responsible for water hardness can remain behind, affecting your skin’s natural moisture and oils. This lack of moisture, combined with high mineral levels, can also disrupt your skin’s hydration and pH balance, potentially contributing to skin irritation or breakouts. Beyond its effects on your skin, hard water can also affect your bathtub or shower, leaving behind a sticky film of soap residue and hard water minerals that builds up over time.
What should I do about my hard water problem?
While you can certainly make adjustments to your daily routine to reduce the effects of hard water on your body, installing a water softening system in your home can go a long way toward keeping your hair soft and shiny and your skin smooth and comfortable. Water softeners reduce the concentration of hardness minerals in your water, providing soft water throughout your home. Follow these steps to address a hard water problem:
- Get an in-home water test to determine the actual level of hardness minerals in your water.
- Consult local information about water hardness levels in your area.
- Contact Pure H2O to determine which water softener is the right solution for your household water needs.
The effects of hard water on your hair and skin should not be overlooked. With a better understanding of the issue, you can take the appropriate steps to soften your water.
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