Utah is known for its great skiing and boasts five national parks, but it’s also a state with a hard water problem.
Just why is having hard water a problem? Read on to learn more, and for tips on how to solve this issue.
What is Hard Water?
In case you aren’t familiar, water hardness refers to the level of excess minerals in the water. To be exact, these minerals are typically dissolved calcium and magnesium. Hard water has a higher level of these mineral deposits, while soft water has little to none. The scale used to classify levels of water hardness measures the milligrams of calcium carbonate per liter of water. By this scale, water with 61 to 120 mg/L is rated moderately hard, while 121 to 180 mg/L is hard, and anything 181 mg/L or above is very hard. According to data from the U.S. Geological Society, nearly the entire state of Utah was rated at 181-250 mg/L. Chances are very high that if you’re living in Utah, you are dealing with hard water.
What Makes Hard Water Problematic?
Some minerals in our water isn’t a completely bad thing. In fact, the World Health Organization acknowledges that the magnesium and calcium in drinking water may be an important dietary contribution, particularly for people who experience a marginal intake of calcium and magnesium. Excessive amounts, however, can have many negative effects:
- Plumbing. Over time, hard water can cause scale buildup inside pipes. Gradually, these mineral deposits cause the pipes to narrow, decreasing the water movement and lowering water pressure.
- Appliances. A hard water problem is also concerning when it comes to water heaters. When water is heated in the tank, solid calcium carbonate deposits can form, causing a host of issues. These deposits cause the heater to work less efficiently, shorten the life of the appliance, and raise heating costs. Likewise, hard water can cause deposits in washing machines, dishwashers, and even coffee machines.
- Cleaning. Another common issue with hard water is that the calcium particles react with soap and form “soap scum,” leaving a film on glass, hands, hair, and clothing. If you’ve ever washed your hands and felt a slimy residue that didn’t seem to go away, you’ve experienced this soap scum reaction firsthand. It can be extremely difficult to remove mineral deposits, particularly from glass, which can cause etching over time. The residue can even shorten the life of clothing, leaving the fabric stiff and dingy.
Combat Hard Water with Stubbs Soft Water
Fortunately, your hard water problem can easily be resolved with a water softening system. Here at Stubbs Soft Water, we have a wide range of different water softeners, and the expertise to help you find the best system for your needs. Whether you live in Cedar City or St. George, Utah, we can tailor the water softening system to your home, and ensure that your appliances last longer and have fewer problems. Give us a call at 435-313-5131 or contact us online today!