Is it Healthy to Drink Hard Water?

Many people throughout Florida have a supply of hard water that can cause various issues in their homes. From mineral buildup on faucets to water spots on clean dishes, the signs and problems of hard water can show up everywhere. With the numerous problems hard water can cause, many people wonder if hard water is safe to drink. Here’s what you need to know about the potential health impacts of hard water.

What Is Hard Water?

First, it helps to understand exactly what hard water is. Hard water refers to water that has high levels of certain minerals dissolved in it, namely calcium and magnesium. Because the minerals are completely dissolved, they can’t be seen when filling a glass with water or running a faucet. However, these minerals can leave their mark after the fact, such as on your drinking glasses after they’ve been run through the dishwasher.

Is Hard Water Safe To Drink?

The EPA is responsible for regulating contaminants in public water supplies. This means that your tap water is safe to drink, no matter how hard that water may be. In fact, calcium and magnesium are essential minerals that our bodies need. However, we typically get these minerals from food sources, so consuming them through our drinking water is not necessary.

Is Hard Water Healthy?

Safe and healthy are two different things. So, just because hard water is safe doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy. While there are claims on both sides stating that hard water is healthy or unhealthy, there is little scientific evidence to support either claim.

What’s the Problem With Hard Water?

Outside of any health considerations related to hard water, there are numerous downsides to having hard water running through your home. It can make your clothing scratchy, dry out your skin and hair after a shower, result in marks on your dishes, and lead to mineral buildup around faucets and other wet-area fixtures. Furthermore, hard water is harsh on your plumbing, as the buildup of minerals can wear down your pipes and appliances and result in issues ranging from minor leaks to widespread water pressure issues. Because of these numerous downsides, many homeowners consider installing a water softener system to address their hard water problems.

Benefits of Soft Water

A water softener system uses ion exchange to substitute the hard minerals in your water using sodium. This softer water can address the numerous problems that hard water causes. Therefore, the benefits of soft water in your home include softer clothing with more vibrant colors, clean, spot-free dishes, softer skin and hair after a shower, and a gentler effect on your pipes and plumbing.

To learn more about hard water and soft water, turn to the professionals at Florida Energy Water & Air. We are the water softener professionals you can rely on for top-of-the-line water softeners, professional installation, and personalized service. We’d be happy to answer your questions about hard water and help you find the solution that suits your needs.