Does Hard Water Cause Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones typically develop when our urine contains more crystal-forming substances than fluid. For this reason, customers often ask us, “does hard water cause kidney stones?”   To help you understand the relationship between hard water and kidney stones, here are 5 facts about your household hard water system.    

5 Facts Your Need to Know 

FACT #1: Hard water contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that get filtered into your home’s water system and drinking water.   FACT #2: When urine contains too much calcium or other crystal-forming minerals, our bodies are unable to dilute them; therefore, kidney stones can form.   FACT #3: Though hard water does have a higher calcium level than soft water, there is not enough evidence to prove hard water can cause kidney stones. In fact, most hard water does not contain high enough levels of minerals to be a danger to our health.   FACT #4: Some research has contended that if hard water contains extremely high levels of calcium and magnesium, it could play a bigger role in kidney stone formation compared to soft, filtered water.    FACT #5: Soft water involves the removal of common minerals found in hard water conditions, including calcium and magnesium. It also helps eliminate scale buildup on your plumbing system and helps prevent spotting on glassware and dryness on skin and hair. Because soft water helps remove the minerals associated with kidney stone formation, it’s considered an effective household water solution.  So, to answer the question can drinking hard water cause kidney stones? The fact remains that although no one is certain on the negative effects of hard water on our kidneys, one thing is for sure: the amount of water we drink definitely has an impact on the buildup of kidney stones. Therefore, if you’re prone to kidney stones, you should always be sure to take in enough water to allow for minerals to be diluted.  

 Get a Free Water Analysis from Aquarius 

If your home has hard water flowing through it, adding a Kinetico® water softening system can not only make your water taste better, but it can also help in a multitude of other household chores, including laundry, washing dishes, cooking, and just keeping your home clean!   From removing soap scum to having softer hair, skin and clothes, contact Aquarius Water Conditioning today for all of your water filtration needs!