Hard And Soft Water
Hard vs. Soft Water Explained
.
.
Hard
water... is water that contains an appreciable
quantity of dissolved minerals (like calcium and magnesium).
Soft
water... is treated water in which the only ion is
sodium.
As
rainwater falls, it is naturally soft. However, as water makes its way through
the ground and into our waterways, it picks up minerals like
chalk, lime and mostly calcium and magnesium.
Since
hard water contains essential minerals, it is sometimes the preferred drinking
water. Not only because of the health benefits, but also the flavor.
On the
other hand, soft water tastes salty and is sometimes not suitable for drinking.
So
why, then, do we soften our water?
When
it boils down, the major difference between hard and soft water
can best be seen while doing household chores.
Hard
water is to blame for dingy looking clothes, dishes with spots and residue, and
bathtubs with lots of film and soap scum.
Even
hair washed in hard water may feel sticky and look dull. Hard water can take a
toll on household appliances as well and use up more energy.
The elements of
hard water are to blame for all of these negative factors, as soap is less
effective due to its reaction to the magnesium and calcium. The lather is not
as rich and bubbly.
Chore-doers
will love using soft water, as tasks can actually be performed more efficiently
with it.
Soap
will lather better and items will be left cleaner. Glasses will sparkle and
hair will look healthy. The shower curtain will be scum-free. Clothes and skin
are left softer.
In
addition to time, this can also save money, as less soap and detergents will be
used.
Since
appliances have to work less hard, soft water can also prolong the life of
washing machines, dishwaters and water heaters.
Energy
bills are noticeably lower when in households with water softeners. In a time
of rising energy costs, this is something to think about.
Soft
water is not, however, suggested for those with heart or circulatory problems,
or others who may be on a low sodium diet.
In the
softening process, as minerals are removed, sodium content increases.
Research
shows that cardiovascular disease has the lowest risk in areas where water has
the most mineral content.
The
Best of Both Worlds: A Solution
There
are ways to combat the sodium in soft water, which will allow households to
enjoy better tasting water, as well as have the best available water for
cleaning needs.
They
are reverse osmosis, distillation and deionization.
What
type is your water?
The
Water Quality Association of the United States defines hard water as having
dissolved mineral hardness of 1 GPG (grain per gallon) or more.
Here
is a helpful table to show the hardness of water:
· Soft Water- less than 1 gpg
· Slightly Hard- 1-3.5 gpg
· Moderately Hard- 3.5-7 gpg
· Very Hard- 7-10 gpg
· Extremely Hard- over 10 gpg
.
Water
hardness is classified by the U.S. Department of Interior and the Water Quality
Association as follows:
Classification
|
mg/l or ppm
|
grains/gal
|
Soft
|
0 - 17.1
|
0 - 1
|
Slightly hard
|
17.1 - 60
|
1 - 3.5
|
Moderately hard
|
60 - 120
|
3.5 - 7.0
|
Hard
|
120 - 180
|
7.0 - 10.5
|
Very Hard
|
180 & over
|
10.5 & over
|
NOTE: Other
organizations may use slightly different classifications.
Drops of Soap - A Hardness Test
Homemade Hardness Test - "Crude Test"
1. To 12 oz or 350 mls of water add dish
detergent - one drop at a time.
2. Shake sample and look for suds. Count the number of drops. 3. When you see suds you are done. |
Drops of Soap in 12 oz.
|
Hardness - mg CaCO3/L
|
Grains per Gallon
|
Classification
|
10
|
0 - 17.1
|
0 - 1
|
Soft
|
20
|
17.1 - 60
|
1 - 3.5
|
Slightly hard
|
30
|
60 - 120
|
3.5 - 7.0
|
Moderately hard
|
40
|
120 - 180
|
7.0 - 10.5
|
Hard
|
50
|
180 & over
|
10.5 & over
|
Very Hard
|
sources: freedrinkingwater.com
water-research.net
RELATED POSTS:
Soft water and purified
water from one CENTRALIZED WATER
TREATMENT SYSTEM
CLICK HERE . . .
Water Softening
THE ION EXCHANGE
PRINCIPLE
CLICK HERE . . .
ARE
THERE REAL HEALTH BENEFITS FROM DRINKING THIS TYPE OF WATER?
CLICK HERE . . .
BASIC TYPES OF WATER DEFINED
CLICK HERE . . .
AMOSUP Seamen’s Hospital
CLICK HERE . . .
.
 |
Multi-Media Filter, Highly-Activated Carbon Filter,
Zeolite-Process Water Softener With Brine Tank,
Fiberglass Ballast-Type Pressure Tank
(fully automatic backwash & regeneration)
|
PURICARE
Water
Treatment
Systems
.
.
...
Aganan, Pavia, Iloilo, Philippines
...
CLICK HERE . . . to view company profile . . .
CLICK HERE . . . to view company profile . . .
