Hard water has more minerals dissolved in it than soft water. For water to be considered “hard,” it has to have at least 121 parts per million of minerals. If the water has 180 parts per million, then it’s considered very hard water. Florida, as a whole, has among the hardest water in the nation, often topping 250 parts per million. With the exception of West Palm Beach, Pompano Beach has the hardest water in the state at 298 parts per million.
Why Is Florida’s Water So Hard?
The chief mineral in hard water is calcium. Florida sits on top of the Floridan Aquifer System, which flows continuously through karst. Karst is a kind of limestone, and limestone is calcium carbonate. More than a quadrillion gallons of water make up the Floridan Aquifer System.
What Are the Problems of Hard Water?
First, it must be stressed that hard water does not pose a health risk as long as there are no heavy metals in it. In fact, it contains essential nutrients. It just doesn’t taste very good. Sometimes, it’s sweet. Sometimes, it’s bitter. Another problem is that it leaves an unsightly scum on sinks and bathtubs. It causes spots on dishes, and your laundry may come out in different colors, such as yellow and green, if you wash in hard water. The built-up calcium and other deposits can also clog pipes and water heaters, exacerbating energy bills.
What Can Be Done About Hard Water?
Generally, if a city has water that is above 200 PPM, it softens water a bit before pumping out to homes. Still, 200 PPM is quite high and will result in calcium deposits and yellow laundry. Your chief defense against hard water is a water softener. It uses salt to create ions with the minerals in your water, which can then be filtered out.
The chief disadvantage to water softeners is that they create water that’s high in sodium. While that won’t cause scaling on glasses or clog pipes, it could adversely affect the health of someone on a low-sodium diet. It’s a good idea to install a filter for water that you’re going to drink or use for cooking.
How We Can Help
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we have nearly four decades of experience in all aspects of plumbing, including that of water softeners. We also have an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. Give us a call to find out more information about water softeners and to set up an appointment.