Hard water, while not dangerous or unhealthy, is a homemakers' nightmare. The minerals which make it "hard" (most commonly calcium & magnesium) cause little annoyances when it comes to cleaning. Hard water can decreases the efficiency of some cleaners. Some signs of hard water are water spots in glassware, washed clothes feeling stiff, dullness of the hair and skin, and white calcium buildup in showers or sinks. The hardness of water can also be tested and determined and water softening measures can be used accordingly.

Testing Methods

Buy a water hardness testing kit or get one for free from a company which sells water softening supplies. Follow the instructions on the packaging and perform the test using water straight from the tap. The results will measure the mineral content in the water. Compare the results to the chart on the resource link, and find out what level of hardness the water is on. Any water with mineral content above 17.1 milligrams per liter is considered hard. Another method to determine water hardness is a simple soap dissolving test. Minerals in hard water bind to the active ingredients in soap, deactivating them and resulting in poor cleaning results. For this test, take a clean plastic bottle with a cap and add half a cup tap water and ten drops dish washing liquid. Shake vigorously. If a lot of foam forms inside the bottle, the water is soft. If, instead, the soap forms a filmy layer inside the bottle, the water is hard. In situations where the exact level of water hardness needs to be determined, it is best to contact a water testing laboratory. For a fee, they will test and analyze a sample of tap water for hardness.

Call Local Commercial Water Provider

The local water company employees usually have all the information relating to the mineral content, or hardness, of the water they manage and distribute. Call the number for customer service on your bill and ask for information.

Source:

Water Hardness Testing Info

Resource:

Water Hardness Results Chart

Hard Water Test Kits