If you’ve spent any time in the state, you know that soft water in Utah is a rarity; we’re practically known for our hard water. The vast majority of the state experiences very hard water, with 180mg of calcium carbonate or more per liter. Why is this a problem and what can you do about it? Keep reading to find out what damage is caused by hard water and how to obtain soft water, even in the state of Utah.
What Makes Water Hard?
With the exception of distilled water, all water has trace minerals in it. The most common of these are calcium and magnesium ions. Although these minerals are harmless, greater deposits of them equates to the level of water hardness. At one end of the spectrum, 60 milligrams of calcium carbonate or less per liter is considered soft water. The other end of the range is 180 milligrams or more per liter, which is considered very hard water.
How Can I Tell if I Have Hard Water?
You may be able to tell if the water in your home is hard without even testing it. If you’ve noticed film on your drinking glasses, or that your clothing is stiff or dingy, these could be indications that you have a hard water problem. You can easily find out for sure by doing a simple DIY experiment at home, or by purchasing and completing an at-home testing kit. Many utility companies will also post reports about water quality online, showing whether you have soft water in Utah. Since the information for these reports is gathered as the water leaves the treatment facilities, testing your home’s water is the most accurate way to find out what level of minerals are present in your water.
Why is Hard Water a Problem?
If the minerals present in hard water aren’t toxic, what’s the problem? As it turns out, plenty of issues can crop up when hard water is left untreated. At the outset, having hard water might seem to mainly be an inconvenience. It can cause spots on your dishes, soap scum in your shower, and clothing that doesn’t get quite as clean in the wash. Hard water can leave a filmy residue on your skin and hair, and leave unsightly deposits on your water fixtures. Those same hard water or limescale deposits can build up in the plumbing in your home, slowly narrowing the diameter of the pipes and changing the water pressure. Mineral deposits that build up in your appliances can cause real problems and shorten their lifespan.
How to Get Soft Water in Utah with Stubbs Soft Water
So, now you’ve learned that as a Utahn, you likely have hard water, you’ve tested your water to confirm that it is indeed hard, and you know that it can cause damage to your plumbing and appliances. What do you do? The easiest fix is to install a water softening system for your home. Here at Stubbs Soft Water, we can help you select the best option for your home and needs. Whether you live in Hurricane or St. George, Santa Clara or Cedar City, we provide unmatched service for Southern Utah. Give us a call at 435-375-3446 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.