What Is Hard Water?

Posted on September 26, 2022 by oozle

Having hard water in your home can cause a lot of issues for your household appliances, pipes, clothes, hair, and even irritate your skin. If you are noticing your water is cloudier than usual or that there is more white build-up and water spots on kitchen appliances, you most likely have hard water in your home. In Las Vegas, the water is considered very hard but still can vary depending on where in the area you live. No matter how hard your water may be, there is always a solution. Read more to learn everything you need to know about hard water and what it is. 

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water develops when it has higher mineral content. The more calcium and magnesium that dissolves in your water, the harder it becomes. Magnesium and calcium are great sources of minerals that can be good for your health, but too much can cause long-term side effects on your hair, as well as skin irritation. If you are starting to notice greasy or dull hair, an itchy scalp, acne, and dry skin, this could mean your water is hard and it’s time for a solution. 

Not only can hard water cause dryness and irritation to your skin and hair, but it can also affect your home. Here are a few things to look out for when it comes to hard water:

• The quality of your drinking water and how it tastes
• Mineral build-up in your home’s pipes
• Hard water stains on dishes and appliances
• Shorter life-span when it comes to larger appliances
• Spotty glasses and dishes
• Rust stains
• Faded clothing
• Faucet mineral buildup

If you are starting to see white spots on your dishes, it is time to find a solution and resolve your hard water problem right away.

Where Does Hard Water Come From?

In Las Vegas, 25 million people depend on Lake Mead for their water supply. It is an important resource for many and when the water levels are low, the quality of water is impacted immensely. Las Vegas is known for their hot summers, especially in July, and it is no surprise that more and more water is being consumed during the hotter months. 

From June to September, well water is pumped into Lake Mead to resolve the issue of lower water supply. This is what can cause your drinking water to become hard and cloudy. Fortunately, this is something a purification or filtration system can fix. However, the lower and warmer the water, the more likely algae is to increase and create higher concentrations of magnesium and calcium. Hard water may not be toxic, but algae can definitely make people sick and become very harmful to human consumption. 

Water utility companies are doing all they can to treat the water and ensure it is safer to drink. There are a few actions you can take to contribute to the community and help to prevent water contamination. Here are some ways you can help:

• Don’t use pesticides when gardening.
• Avoid using any fertilizer that contains phosphorus.
• Dispose any toxic chemicals at hazardous waste sites.
• Pick up any waste that is left from your dog.
• Don’t leave trash at Lake Mead when you visit.
• Be courteous to the environment and do your part to keep Lake Mead clean.

How to Improve Your Water’s Quality

The difference between soft and hard water really depends on high-mineral content. The higher the minerals, the harder your water becomes. The less minerals, the softer your water is. Soft water is a lot better for health, dishes, clothing, and just for your home in general. Purified water provides so many more benefits and can avoid exposure to chemicals and long-term health concerns. 

As a resident of Las Vegas Valley, you should be aware of how hard the water can become and what you can do to prevent it. Use our Las Vegas Hard Water Checker to learn more about your water’s quality and if a purification system is needed in your home. You can also test your water out to decide whether or not you need to call in a professional to resolve your hard water. Check out these easy steps:

• Step 1: Fill a clear bottle or container with tap water
• Step 2: Add a few drops of dish soap
• Step 3: Shake the bottle
• Step 4: Check the water for any bubbles

Do you see a lot of soapy bubbles in your water? The more bubbles you see, the softer your water is. The less bubbles you see, the harder your water is. Hard water will be more cloudy than it will be soapy. 

How to Treat Hard Water

Now that you know the quality of your water, it could be time to treat it, depending on the results of your little science project. The best way to treat hard water is by investing in a water purifier or softener. Both are used to remove hard minerals. A purifier is used to filter out the water, while a water softener uses sodium (salt) to break down the minerals that make your water hard. Both systems provide great benefits, but it is just a matter of how much maintenance and money you are willing to put in.

Invest in a Water Softener Today!

As your friendly Las Vegas neighbors, ProServ understands our local water issues and is here to help you become more satisfied with your water’s quality. Learn more about our installation services and how you can benefit from having a filtration system and water softener. Contact us today and we can get you started on a free quote!