Water Hardness

Cathryn

Significance: Though aquatic life is generally unaffected by naturally occurring hardness ions, calcium, magnesium, and iron, human water uses are affected by hardness scale and deposits.

Have you ever noticed a white scaly ring in your sink, bathtub, or washing machine? Or have you ever found it hard to get your soap to lather? If so you very well might have "hard water".

Hard water occurs when large amounts of calcium, magnesium, or iron ions are present. Some people may think that "hard water" has only disadvantages, but with a little research you will find there are some advantages, such as hard water firms fruits and vegetables and is not hazardous to drink. Hard water is also known for many natural wonders such as many rock terraces around mineral-rich hot springs. Aquatic life is also unaffected by the high contents of calcium, magnesium, and iron ions.

From the human perspective hard water can be a nuisance. It clogs pipes, water heaters, and leaves water spots on cars. Hard water also gives water an undesirable taste. Although this problem occurs naturally it can be corrected through water softening methods.

Degrees of Water Hardness

Term	Grains Per Million	Parts Per Million
soft	less than 1.0	less than 17.1
slightly hard	1.0 to 3.5	17.1 to 60
moderately hard	3.5 to 7.0	60 to 120
hard	7.0 to 10.5	120 to 180