- Hard water is water with a higher concentration of minerals, and Soft water is water with dilute concentrations of magnesium and calcium ions.
- Hard water is good for health benefits and better-tasting but might not be better from an energy perspective.
- Soft water is energy-saving and machinery lifetime extending water, which is unsuitable for drinking.
Have you ever heard of the terms ‘Hard water’ and ‘Soft water’? One might say “Hard water” is simply frozen water, i.e., ice, and “Soft water” is just melted ice. But it’s not that simple!
The adjective ‘hard’ in the term ‘Hard water’ isn’t precisely the texture of the water but refers to the significant amount of minerals present in the water. It is called hard water when such mineral content is high along with high concentrations of magnesium carbonates and calcium ions in water.
Meanwhile, soft Water is Water that has low concentrations of magnesium and calcium ions. Now that we’ve got the gist of the two types of water, we will be going in-depth about them, including their formations, uses, benefits, and drawbacks.
Table of Contents
What is Hard Water?
About five seconds ago, we learned that hard water is high in mineral content. But, where is the source of all these minerals?
When rainwater makes its way deep underground and into our waterways, such as a canal, it picks up various minerals like calcium, chalk, lime, and magnesium. Such naturally occurring minerals make the water hard. This type of water is often used for drinking as it is deemed healthy due to its mineral content.
But despite some of its health benefits, it also causes costly damage to cooling towers, boilers, and other supply equipment.
A fun fact- Water available in most US states is hard because the sea beds have high limestone concentrations! But, how do you identify hard water? And also, how to know if the water supplied at your home is hard?
First, it’s impossible to identify hard water with a naked eye. But, here are a few signs that help spot hard water at your home.
- Formation of limescale in heaters
- Little to no foam while washing clothes with soap
- Stains in taps and pipes
Icky, right? But, there’s a process called water softening that transforms hard water into a soft one.
What is Soft Water?
Soft water contains easily soluble salts of potassium, sodium, and very little concentration of ions. There are finite benefits of soft water.
Soft water usually forms where rainfall and the drainage basin of rivers are formed of hard, impervious, and calcium-poor rocks.
Soft water must contain less than 50 mg of calcium carbonate. Any other water with an equal or higher concentration is considered hard.
Although commonly used to describe filtered water, ‘Soft water’ can also be called ‘Softened water.’ But, it may contain an elevated level of bicarbonate ion and sodium ion, which may not be considered soft.
The presence of salt, the non-need for the soft water system in cities, and harmful sodium content are some common soft water myths that are not true in most circumstances.
How to differentiate?
Hard Water is better in terms of taste and health than soft water and is often used for drinking. However, hard water is responsible for stained taps and water sources, bathtubs with film, and dishes with residue and spots.
Whereas soft water makes it easier to wash clothes, take a shower, and save up some money on your energy bill. What makes hard Water and soft Water very distinguishable from each other are:
- Mineral Content: Hard Water has a high mineral content, whereas soft water has low
- Drinking Purposes: Hard Water is suitable for drinking. Soft water is not
- Chores: Soft Water is excellent for cleaning and other chores, while hard water creates problems by staining faucets.
Pros of Hard Water Vs. Soft Water
| Advantages of Hard Water | Advantages of Soft Water |
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Cons of Hard Water Vs. Soft Water
| Disadvantages of Hard Water | Disadvantages of Soft Water |
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Now that we know the differences between hard and soft water, you may wonder how to soften hard water and vice versa.
How to Soften Hard Water?
- Water Softeners: Water softeners are the best and most effective way to soften water. The types of water softeners are as follows:
- Salt-Based Softeners: These softeners use salt to exchange ions that eliminate the mineral ions in the regeneration cycle.
- Salt-Free Water Softeners: Often called water conditioners, they alter the hard water minerals but won’t remove them.
- Dual Tank Water Softeners: These heavy-duty water softeners use two huge iron tanks that are best for household uses. Although quite expensive, they ensure long-term use.
- Magnetic Water Descalers: Unpopular and less efficient but hassle-free alternative, this method uses a magnetic field to prevent limescale from building up in the water system.
Shower Head Water Softener System
This filtration system uses several layers of carbon filters to soften water. Using zinc and copper in KDF filters effectively eliminates most heavy metals, including chlorine. Similarly, using Vitamin C filters alters the chemical structures of excess minerals and removes them.
Despite water softeners being effective, they are expensive and require high maintenance. Some may not even be applicable to your home. That’s why we’ve got you covered! Here are some helpful alternatives:
- Remove the excess water from the bathtub or tap surfaces using a sponge or a squeegee.
- Clean the surface of utensils and countertops with all-purpose cleaners.
- Use vinegar to remove stains.
- Use detergents to soften water while washing.
Now that we’ve come to an end, we believe you’ve become capable enough to distinguish water hardness or softness. What type of water is supplied to your home? Please let us know!
