What Makes Water Hard or Soft?

Hard Water

• When it comes to learning what makes water hard or soft, it is first important to define these terms. High concentrations of magnesium and calcium result in hard, or mineral-rich, water. Because of these high mineral concentrations, hard water is sometimes considered to be better for drinking in terms of health benefits as well as taste. Hard water is difficult to clean with, however, and can cause damage and discoloration to hair over time.

Soft Water

• While some soft water does occur naturally, the majority of soft water is water that has been treated with a water softener to remove excess mineral deposits. Soft water is much more effective when it comes to cleaning, washing clothes and bathing, and does not leave behind the mineral residues and deposits associated with hard water.

Water Softeners

• In most cases, a water softener is what makes water hard or soft. Water softeners, also called water conditioners, are machines designed to filter water, removing excess mineral deposits and replacing them with sodium.

Alternative Water Softeners

• For people who are on a restricted sodium diet, or wish to limit their sodium intake, there are water softener alternatives to the use of sodium. The most common type of alternative water softeners use a process called reverse osmosis to filter out the excess minerals in the water through the use of carbon filters and catalytic converters.

Considerations

• If you suspect that you have hard water, you can find out by purchasing a hard water testing kit from your local hardware store. Keep in mind that although purchasing a water softener and supplies may be expensive initially, soft water is safer for use on skin, hair and clothes.