Well Water Hardness Levels

Extremely hard water is anything over 15 gpg.

Well water hardness levels. The term hardness was originally applied to waters that were hard to wash in referring to the soap wasting properties of hard water. Recommendations have been made for the maximum and minimum levels of calcium 40 80 ppm and magnesium 20 30 ppm in drinking water and a total hardness expressed as the sum of the calcium and magnesium concentrations of 2 4 mmol l. Water softening systems work by. Glasses are extra spotty skin feels super squeaky and soap scum is at its most stubborn.

Gas water heaters used 29 less energy to heat water and electric water heaters used 21 less energy when operated on softened water according to a study done by new mexico state university. How can i test the levels of hardness in my well water. Also many companies that sell water treatment equipment offer hardness tests. Water systems using groundwater as a source are concerned with water hardness since as water moves through soil and rock it dissolves small amounts of naturally occurring minerals and carries them into the groundwater supply water is a great solvent for calcium and magnesium so if the minerals are present in the soil around a water supply well hard water may be delivered to homes.

Hard water or water hardness is a common quality of water which contains dissolved compounds of calcium and magnesium and sometimes other divalent and trivalent metallic elements. Besides hardness high iron levels in water is the most common problem well owners deal with. If you are on a municipal water system the water supplier can tell you the hardness level of the water they deliver. With the right water filter however you can remove iron from your well water quickly and easily.

Other studies have shown weak correlations between cardiovascular health and water hardness. 2 2 food food is the principal dietary source of intake of both calcium and magnesium. Considered very hard water at 11 15 gpg exhibits all the signs of hard water all the time. If you have a private water supply you can have the water tested for hardness.

Some filters like water softeners are ideal for removing mild traces of iron while others like reverse osmosis filters are better at removing many minerals and harmful substances. Higher levels of these and other minerals make water hard. The hardness of water is determined primarily by the amount of calcium and magnesium it contains. Hardness in drinking water 2 estimated daily intakes of magnesium from water of about 2 3 mg and 52 1 mg in soft water and hard water areas respectively have been reported based on adults drinking 2 litres of water per day neri et al 1985.