Hardness Water Test

What is it?

Total hardness is the sum of all dissolved, multivalent metals in your water; most, if not all, hardness is contributed by calcium and magnesium. Water that has high hardness, described as 'hard water', contains high concentrations of naturally occurring dissolved minerals. Total hardness is composed of temporary and permanent hardnesses. Temporary, or carbonate, hardness can be removed from water by boiling and is responsible for the scaling caused by hard water as it reacts with heat. Permanent, or noncarbonate, hardness cannot be removed by boiling water. The hardness of water indicates the degree to which the water reacts with soap; hard water requires more soap to produce a lather and often deposits precipitates, or 'soap scum'. Hardness is usually reported in units of calcium carbonate equivalency, but grains per gallon is a common alternative unit.

Where does it come from?

Hardness is naturally caused by minerals that dissolve into water as it passes through soil and rocks, especially in geological areas that contain sedimentary rocks like limestone and dolomite. Runoff from agricultural and industrial areas can also affect local water hardness. Groundwater is typically harder than surface water.

How does it affect me?

Hardness is mostly representative of the calcium and magnesium in tap water, which are both essential minerals for your body. There are no known health effects of hardness on human health; however, because hard water dries skin and hair, there is some evidence that high levels of hardness may be a risk factor to exacerbating eczema. Excessively hard water can be corrosive to zinc in plumbing; zinc is used as a protective layer on the walls of galvanized pipe, the corrosion of which can lead to the release of heavy metals that have adverse health effects, like lead.