What does dry and irritated skin, foggy dishware, faded clothing, and a bathtub covered in soap scum have in common?

They can all be the result of hard water. Hard water is a common household problem that is, fortunately, relatively easy to fix.

Read on to learn more about this type of water, how to know if you have it, and what to do about it.

Water supply can be considered hard if it has a high amount of minerals—most commonly calcium and magnesium—dissolved in it.

The higher concentration of minerals within a water supply, the “harder” it is. Hard or mineral-rich water can occur in public and well water, and its hardness level can vary widely across cities and states.

As mentioned earlier, hard water can cause a whole host of visible problems, like a grimy bathtub covered in soap scum, dishes with water spots, and more. Other visual cues can include dull, faded clothing, stiff sheets or towels, and extra-dry skin after showering or bathing.

You can also check the hard water map from USGS.org to see if you live in an area that tends to have harder water than others.

Wisconsin and Minnesota tend to have higher levels of minerals in their water, but testing is the only way to know for sure how hard your water supply actually is.

You can get a free water test and consultation from Aquarius Water Conditioning. This free service includes a comprehensive in-home analysis of your water, a detailed breakdown of contaminants and other substances, and a customized plan to correct these issues.

The good news is that hard water is safe to drink, so there is little risk for severe health problems. On the other hand, mineral-rich water can cause a whole host of annoyances that can not only be irritating but can also cost a large sum to fix.

The main problem people notice with water that is “hard” is its uncanny ability to dry out our skin. Water with high mineral content can be responsible for the following skin conditions due to its drying tendencies:

• Overall itchiness and irritation
• Dandruff
• Acne
  • Mineral-rich water can strip your skin of natural oils, leading your body to make more. This can eventually clog your pores.
• Increased sunburns
  • Calcium and magnesium in water can break down your skin’s protective collagen and elastin barriers, making it easier for you to get sunburns.

Aside from potentially drying out or irritating your skin, water with a higher hardness level can also take a toll on your appliances.

Hard water is responsible for the residue you might see on dishes or in coffee pots, and it can build up in your pipes and plumbing over time.

If it goes on long enough, you may see an increase in your water bill because more water is needed to make your appliances work. You may also need costly pipe repairs if the mineral deposits build up.

Although hard water can be an annoying burden for your household, it is an easy problem to fix with the right expertise and equipment. High-quality water softeners can neutralize the effects of hard minerals by adding the proper concentration of salt to your water, making it less abrasive throughout the entire home.

At Aquarius Water Conditioning, we recommend using water softeners from our favorite brand, Kinetico. These efficient water softening devices can prevent your skin from drying out while protecting your appliances and making your laundry appear brighter than ever! Plus, you can use less soap on dishes, have a lower water bill, and avoid costly plumbing repairs due to buildup.

If you are tired of dry skin, foggy dishes, and all the other headaches that come with hard water, contact us today for a free inspection and quote. We can help you resolve your water hardness issues in no time!