Hard Water: The Invisible Culprit Behind Home Annoyances

Mark Alpers
August 31, 2023

The Extent of Hard Water's Reach

Standard SoftenerWhen the white, filmy residue commonly known as limescale overtakes your sink, faucet, or kettle, you’re not alone in the battle. The U.S. Geological Survey underscores that an astonishing 90% of the U.S. population grapples with the effects of hard water. Across the pond, about 13 million UK homes share in this experience, primarily attributed to geographical water sources.

From Rain to Hard Water

Aquasana Whole House Features ListInterestingly, rainwater is naturally soft. The journey from soft to hard water occurs when rainwater, in its purity, comes into contact with ground, chalk, limestone, and rocks, absorbing minerals like calcium and magnesium, leading to “hardness.”

The Mechanics of Hard Water

Temporary hard water, characterized by the presence of calcium hydrogencarbonate, can be resolved with boiling. Permanent hardness, unfortunately, involves calcium sulfate and is not remedied as easily.

Hard vs. Soft Water

Water Softener ValveHard water, though safe to drink, comes with a baggage of annoyances including reduced soap lather, potential skin irritations, and the notorious limescale deposits in appliances and pipes. Soft water, devoid of high calcium and magnesium levels, is generally more “friendly” to users and appliances but should be approached with caution if softened using sodium salt.

The Balance of Hard Water

Inside A Water SoftenerDespite the challenges, hard water isn’t without its potential benefits. A source of calcium (though not substantial), and sometimes preferred for its taste, hard water isn’t a health risk. However, the conveniences of soft water, especially in household maintenance and appliance longevity, often outweigh these minor advantages.

Mapping Hard Water in the UK

The UK’s hard water landscape is vast, thanks to its geographical and geological composition. Testing kits can offer insights into the specific water hardness levels in your home, measured in ppm (parts per million).

The Softening Solution

Options like the Aquasana Whole House Rhino stand out, offering both water softening and filtering, and eliminating the need for salt or sodium in the softening process.

In Conclusion

Hard water, while not a health hazard, is an inconvenience that many seek to resolve. The transformation of water from its soft, natural state to a “hardened” version rich in calcium and magnesium is largely influenced by geographical and geological factors. While temporary hard water offers an easy fix, permanent hard water necessitates more robust solutions like water softening systems. Though it’s a silent, invisible adversary, the effects of hard water are palpable, making the investment in water softening technologies not just a luxury, but a necessity for many households.


Treats hard water UP TO 25 ppm (low to medium low hard water).	Treats hard water OVER 25 ppm (medium to extremely hard water).
Does NOT require electricity.	Requires electricity if using the electronic head monitor.
Control Your System With An App:? NO	Control Your System With An App:? YES
- Powerful salt-FREE water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Aquasana Rhino exceeds NSF standards. - Treats hard water WITHOUT salt. - Removes chlorine, bacteria, iron, sulfide, manganese, mercury, lead etc. - Includes pre-filter, copper-zinc and carbon filtration stages with standard fittings. - 90-Day Pure Satisfaction Guarantee. - Limited 10 year warranty.	- Powerful salt-BASED water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Also includes a multi-stage filter. - Easy installation (inside or outside) - Sufficient for 1-3 bathrooms (options for 4-6 and 7+ bathrooms also available). - 6 month money back guarantee. - Limited lifetime warranty.

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