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The signs will be there - your soap doesn’t lather quite right, or your showerhead looks a little crustier than it should. Chances are, you’re dealing with hard water. It’s one of those things that quietly works its way into your daily routine and stays there until you realize it’s behind the dry skin, cloudy glasses, and that slightly “off” laundry feel.
Hard water is an uninvited but persistent guest in many households across parts of the U.S., and knowing more about it might just solve a few mysteries around your home.
Water that contains elevated levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, is considered “hard.” According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), water with over 60 mg/L of calcium carbonate is considered “hard.”
These minerals aren’t dangerous; they occur naturally when water passes through limestone, chalk, or gypsum. Groundwater is especially prone to mineral buildup, which is why hard water tends to show up more often in rural homes and areas that rely on wells/borewells for water.
The World Health Organization notes that hard water is not a health hazard. It may actually offer small dietary benefits by contributing trace amounts of calcium and magnesium.
You can check your area’s water hardness in your local utility’s Consumer Confidence Report, or use a home test kit (available for around $10) for a more direct reading.
Even if you don’t have numbers, there are a few telltale signs, especially if certain things feel a little off:
Signs:
Soap doesn’t lather well. It’s the calcium interfering with soap molecules
White spots on glass or chrome: The minerals in the hard water leave behind a residue.
Clothes feel scratchy after washing: The mineral deposits cling to fabrics.
Skin and hair feel dry: Mineral film can block moisture.
Low water pressure over time: Scale might be slowly building up inside pipes.
Is hard water bad for your health?
Generally, no. As we mentioned above, the WHO states that hard water does not pose any known health risks and may help supplement dietary magnesium and calcium intake. However, the benefits are considered minor, and people usually get sufficient amounts through food.
There is one caveat for those with skin sensitivities. A 2017 study published in Science Direct suggested that hard water can aggravate conditions like eczema by weakening the skin barrier, particularly in infants.
Some studies hint that people who drink hard water might have a slightly lower risk of cardiovascular disease. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship.
Should you get a water softener?
That depends on your priorities. The Minnesota Department of Health notes that water softening is a personal choice. If you’re experiencing heavy scale buildup, low water pressure, or irritated skin, a water softener could help, especially for well water users or homes in very hard water zones.
Water softeners remove calcium and magnesium using salt or potassium. This makes water feel smoother on skin, extends the life of appliances, and keeps your plumbing happier. But it also adds sodium to your water, which some folks want to avoid, especially if they are grappling with hypertension or watching their salt intake.
Not ready to go all in on a softener system? Something as basic as a shower filter or simple detergent swap can make a noticeable difference. Buy soaps/detergents that are meant to work well with hard water. If your drinking water tastes okay and your appliances are working well, you may not need to do anything at all.
mainelove tip: Most tap water across Maine is soft, but if your home runs on a private well, especially one tapping mineral-rich aquifers, you could easily have moderately hard to very hard water. A $10 test kit will reveal exactly what you're dealing with. And if you want to be sure about your drinking water, there’s always mainelove!
