Water Hardness in Florida (& What to Do About It)

Welcome to the sunshine state—where the sun is bright, the air is salty, and the water is very, very hard. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Florida’s water contains an astounding 121 to 180 milligrams of hard calcium and magnesium minerals per liter. Translation? Homes in our state use extraordinarily hard water, which can lead to unfortunate problems like:

• Shortened lifespans for water-using appliances
• Damaging mineral buildup in plumbing pipes
• Stubborn hard water buildup around faucets and showerheads
• Scummy residue in tubs and showers
• Soaps and detergents that don’t lather or clean as intended
• Dishes and silverware that look cloudy or spotted after washing
• Dry skin and hair after bathing
• Foul-tasting coffee, pasta, and other foods and beverages prepared with tap water
• Freshly washed laundry that looks faded or feels stiff

While Florida is known for its hard mineral-rich water, some regions of the state have it worse than others. For instance, South Florida generally has harder water than most of the panhandle and the northern and central parts of the state, although some areas along the northeast coast of Florida also have exceptionally hard water.

What is Hard Water, Exactly?

The water in Florida’s aquifer—which underlies the entire state—is classified as hard, meaning it contains large quantities of calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and other hard minerals. Hard water is not considered harmful to human health, although the same can’t be said for the health of plumbing pipes and water-using appliances.

So, why is the water in Florida’s aquifer so hard? This can be pinned on the limestone and other geologic formations that our state’s water passes through before reaching your home’s tap. As it runs through these formations, it can pick up naturally occurring hard minerals. Pollution may also contribute to water hardness by increasing acid content.

One way to address stubborn hard water stains and buildup around faucets is by scrubbing the area with white vinegar, which is potent enough to cut through most mineral deposits but not harmful to human health. However, unless you find immense joy in cleaning your bathroom and appliances on a weekly basis, it’s probably a good idea to invest in a home water softening system. A water softener will significantly reduce the amount of hard minerals in your home’s water supply, thereby rendering many hard water problems an annoyance of the past!

Water Softening Solutions from Florida Energy Water & Air

Since 1989, homeowners throughout our state have turned to Florida Energy Water & Air for reliable water softening solutions, including water softeners from industry-leading manufacturer RainSoft. These systems are made right here in the U.S.A. and are installed by our full-time, extensively trained and certified technicians—never subcontractors.

Contact Florida Energy Water & Air to learn more about our water softeners, installation services, and how we help local homeowners achieve the best water possible. Our professionals will be happy to provide a free, in-home estimate to detail our products and easy-term financing options.