Hard water is water that contains a high mineral content, particularly calcium and magnesium carbonates, bicarbonates, and sulfates. This occurs when water percolates through deposits of limestone, chalk, or gypsum, which are rich in these minerals. Hard water can pose problems in industrial settings, where it can lead to costly breakdowns in equipment that handles water. In domestic settings, hard water can be identified by a lack of foam formation when soap is agitated in water and by the formation of limescale in kettles and water heaters. It can also lead to issues such as hazy white spots on dishes, rough feeling laundry, and chalky film on plumbing fixtures. Hard water is measured in grains per gallon (gpg), with 7.5 gpg or more considered hard and in need of treatment with a water softener. It is important to be proactive in addressing hard water problems to prevent inconveniences and plumbing issues.
In summary, hard water is water with a high mineral content, particularly calcium and magnesium, which can lead to various issues in both industrial and domestic settings. It is important to be aware of the signs of hard water and take proactive measures to address it.
