What's Hard Water?
Hard water is water that contains a high volume of dissolved minerals. Magnesium and calcium in particular are the primary contributors to hard water. Groundwater is harder than water from surface reservoirs because it moves through soil and rock and has more opportunity to dissolve and pick up minerals.
Hard water is common and isn't usually health or safety concern. While hard water isn't bad for you, it can be an annoyance as well as a problem for your fixtures, plumbing and appliances.
If you have hard water, you may need to do more heavy cleaning of faucets, showerheads, tile and countertops . Hard water can affect how long clothes last and reduce the efficiency of plumbing and even appliances such as water heaters and washers. In some cases, hard water can cause excessive wear on these appliances.
Areas Where Hard Water Is Most Common
The Southwest and Midwest can have very hard water, but water ranging from moderately hard to very hard is present in much of the United States. States where hard water can be a problem include:
- California
- Arizona
- Texas
- Nevada
- Utah
- Indiana
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Florida
10 Signs of Hard Water
How can you tell if you have hard water? You may notice white hard water deposits — known as limescale — anywhere water has a chance to dry. The deposits can also accumulate in pipes, fixtures and on the internal components of appliances.
Common signs of hard water include:
- Spots or film on dishes, glasses and silverware
- Buildup in your coffee maker
- White deposits on faucets and showerheads
- Clothes that don't feel or smell clean after washing
- Premature fading of clothing and other fabrics
- Soap that won't lather or rinse off easily
- Soap scum or film on your tub or shower
- Dry and itchy skin
- Dry and frizzy hair
- A decrease in water pressure
You may also notice your utility bills increasing unexpectedly as deposits in your water heater, clothes washer and dishwasher make these appliances work less efficiently.
Reduce the formation of limescale simply by wiping water off of surfaces before it has a chance to dry.
There are several cleaners that remove limescale once it forms. You can also use apple vinegar or lemon juice to scrub away limescale.
Testing Water for Hardness
Some of the problems above can be symptoms of issues other than hard water, but if you're experiencing several of them, it's a good idea to check the condition of your home's water.
You can purchase a water test kit and test your home water yourself. If you're on a municipal water system, your water utility may be able to tell you the water hardness.
Water hardness is measured by the amount of calcium carbonate in the water.
- Moderately hard water tests between 3.5 and 7 grains per gallon (gpg) or 61 to 120 milligrams per liter (mg/L)
- Hard water and very hard water tests at more than 7 gpg or 120 mg/L.
If your water tests as hard or very hard, consider softening it.
How to Improve Water Quality and Soften Your Water
A whole-house water softener removes calcium and magnesium that contribute to hard water, reducing mineral deposits and soap film. It also helps prevent deposits in water pipes and lets your water-handling appliances work more efficiently. Some salt-free water descalers and water conditioners can also reduce limescale deposits caused by hard water.
Our water softener guide explains how water softeners and descalers work and gives you tips on how to choose the best one for your family. We'll also give you some installation tips. Don't have time to do it yourself? Schedule a free in-home consultation for a water treatment installation designed for your needs.
Water filtration systems such as:
Frequently Asked Questions About Hard Water
Learn some quick facts about hard water with answers to these common questions.
What is Hard Water and What Causes It?
Hard water is a condition that creates limescale deposits on dishes, on water fixtures and in appliances. It can keep skin, hair and clothing from feeling clean after washing.
Hard water is caused by high levels of calcium and magnesium in the water. It's measured by the concentration of calcium carbonate in the water. Water with a concentration higher than 7 grains per gallon or 120 mg/L is considered hard.
Is it OK to Drink Hard Water?
Drinking hard water isn't considered to be a health risk but at high levels of hardness, water may look cloudy or may have an unpleasant taste.
Does Hard Water Damage Hair?
Hard water can cause dry hair when it creates a film that blocks moisture. It makes your hair feel rough and appear frizzy or dull in color. Hard water can also cause scalp dryness and irritation.