What is Hard Water?

Hard water

...

is the water that contains a high amount of minerals like calcium and magnesium, and sometimes manganese and other cations. Hard water occurs naturally when water moves through rocks such as limestone and chalk, which are rich in minerals like calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. The hardness of water is classified into different levels:

Soft water: 0 – 17 g/L Moderately hard water: 17 – 60 g/L Hard water: 60 – 120 g/L

Despite these high mineral contents, drinking hard water does not pose serious adverse health problems. However, hard water can contribute to dry skin and hair. Washing your hair frequently with hard water can leave your scalp feeling itchy, and the minerals in hard water can change the pH balance of your skin, weakening it as a barrier against harmful bacteria and infections.

The Health Effects of Hard Water on the Human Body

The health effects of hard water on the human body are often associated with the high levels of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and sometimes manganese.

Dry Skin and Hair: Washing with hard water can make your skin dry and lead to bumpy patches. The minerals in the water can also cause skin irritations like eczema. Eye Irritation: Hard water can cause eye irritation and other skin issues. Renal Issues: Regular consumption of hard water can lead to kidney dysfunction, which can further lead to other serious ailments.

If you notice problems with dry skin and hair, using a water-softening system or consulting a dermatologist for proper skincare solutions can help.

How Does Hard Water Affect Your Skin?

One of the most obvious effects of hard water is skin irritation. Eczema is a common example of skin issues caused by hard water. The excessive minerals in the water can make the skin dry and lead to bumpy patches. Here are some steps to address this:

Check the hardness of the water and the presence of calcium and magnesium. Consider using a bathroom water softener to remove these minerals from the water. A soft water system can help in removing calcium, magnesium, etc., from the water, making it softer and more suitable for skin care.

Using soft water can help you maintain healthy skin by:

Making it easy to wash away soap scum and lather from your skin. Rinsing away soap more efficiently, which means products work better without leaving residue. Using less soap for different purposes. Ensuring you don’t need to use expensive lotions or body washes to maintain your skin.

How Does Hard Water Lead to Hair Loss?

Hard water can lead to hair loss due to the presence of minerals like magnesium, silica, and calcium. These minerals can cause:

Breakage and dryness of hair. Destruction of hair follicles, which can even lead to the formation of dandruff.

The solution to this issue is to use a water softener that can treat the hard water problem and help in hair care. Installing a fully automatic water softener for an overhead tank can enhance water quality and reduce the problem of hair loss. Using a water softener can also help get rid of deposits on sinks, tubs, showers, and even reduce staining on clothing. Soft water can also increase the service life of electrical appliances.

The Effect of Hard Water on Your Kidney

Regular consumption of hard water over a long period can be a source of kidney dysfunction, which can further lead to other serious health issues. It is important to avoid using hard water to stay healthy, especially if you are concerned about kidney health.

Advantages of Using Soft Water for Hair

If you have been suffering from dry, itchy skin or acne, installing a water softener can help. Soft water is not just good for your skin but also for your hair. It makes it easy to wash away soap scum and lather from your hair, rinse away soap more efficiently, and reduce the need for expensive hair care products. This can also prevent hair loss and enhance overall hair health.