How does water hardness affect water quality?

Water quality plays a vital role in our everyday lives, yet it’s often overlooked. Not only does it affect our health, but it also has a significant impact on the performance and longevity of appliances in homes and workplaces. 

One of the most common water quality concerns in the UK is hard water, which contributes heavily to the build-up of scale and mineral deposits, including magnesium concentrations, in plumbing systems. These deposits can reduce system efficiency, increase maintenance needs, and shorten the lifespan of key equipment.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between hard and soft water, the pros and cons of hard water, and the process of water softening to manage its effects to protect the longevity of your appliances.

What is hard water?

Hard water refers to water with high concentrations of dissolved minerals – primarily calcium and magnesium – measured in milligrams per litre (mg/L) as calcium carbonate or parts per million (ppm). In fact, more than 60% of the UK population lives in hard water areas. See the image below for the distribution of drinking water classified as 'hard water' vs 'soft water' in the UK.

The map shows the distribution of soft water vs. hard water across the UK, highlighted in different shades. The South and South-East of the UK are predominantly made up of hard water areas. The North of the UK is made up of predominantly soft water areas.

What is the difference between hard and soft water?

The difference between hard and soft water lies in the mineral content; primarily calcium and magnesium. Hard water is formed when groundwater flows through porous rocks such as limestone or dolomite, picking up high levels of these minerals. In contrast, water that originates from rainfall, glaciers, or flows through igneous rocks (like granite) tends to contain fewer minerals and is therefore considered soft.

There are a few tell-tale signs that you may be dealing with hard water:

• Persistent soap scum in sinks and bathtubs

• Difficulty lathering soap or shampoo

• Mineral build-up (limescale) on fixtures and appliances

• Reduced water pressure due to scale inside pipes

Water hardness can be temporary or permanent:

• Temporary hardness is caused by calcium and magnesium bicarbonates, which can be removed by boiling the water.

• Permanent hardness results from non-carbonate minerals, such as calcium sulfate, and cannot be removed through boiling.

Understanding whether your water is hard, and how hard it is, can help you make informed decisions about maintenance, appliance care, and water treatment.

How can I tell if I have hard water?

One of the most common signs of hard water is a cloudy or filmy residue on drinking glasses and dishes. This is due to minerals in the water reacting with soap to form soap scum, which doesn’t rinse away easily.

There are a few tell-tale signs that you may be dealing with hard water:

• Persistent soap scum in sinks

• Difficulty lathering soap

• Mineral build-up (limescale) on fixtures and appliances

• Reduced water pressure due to scale inside pipes

Hard water can have both visible and hidden effects on your home or workplace. Here’s a breakdown:

If you're noticing any combination of these issues, it's likely you're dealing with hard water. A simple home water hardness test kit can confirm it, or you can check your region using local water supplier data.

What are the effects of hardness in water and does it compromise the quality?

Contrary to popular belief, water hardness does not affect the quality of water supply when managed correctly. Read on as we debunk common misconceptions surrounding the safety of hard water.

Is it safe to drink hard water?

Yes, hard water is safe to drink. In fact, it can be a small but valuable source of calcium and magnesium, which may benefit those with low dietary intake of these minerals. 

Unlike many filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis filters, which remove contaminants and essential minerals, the drinking water solution HydroTap retains beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium while effectively eliminating unwanted impurities.

Unfiltered water can also contain impurities such as microplastics, pesticides, and chemicals. Water filtration systems like HydroTap will give you confidence that your workforce and any visitors have fresh-tasting water available all day. You can read more about the impacts of water filtration on health and wellbeing in our recent article.  

Alt text: A woman holding a blue reusable water bottle, looking at a laptop.

How do I fix hard water?

When hard water is heated, it can leave behind solid deposits of calcium carbonate, commonly known as limescale. Over time, this build-up can reduce the efficiency and lifespan of appliances, clog pipes, and increase energy consumption.

One common solution is installing water softeners, which remove calcium and magnesium ions from the water. However, softened water isn't always ideal for drinking, so a separate, unsoftened drinking water tap is typically recommended.

What are the disadvantages of hard water?

As mentioned, hard water can lead to limescale build-up, which affects the performance and efficiency of appliances. This can result in more frequent maintenance, higher energy bills, and reduced equipment lifespan. In both home and commercial settings, it can also impact the quality of drinks and hydration services.

Treating hard water not only helps protect your plumbing and appliances, it also ensures better-tasting beverages, improved water flow, and fewer disruptions in the workplace. For added peace of mind, our HydroCare packages offer ongoing support and regular servicing, ensuring your water stays pure-tasting for years to come.

How Zip Water can help

Our professional limescale filtration kit, recommended for use in areas with water hardness above 180ppm, features a triple-action filter to reduce mineral deposits, enhance performance, and extend the life of your HydroTap. From built-in filtration to descaling alerts, our systems are engineered to perform in even the hardest water environments.

We offer a range of products to help you combat hard water and any other contamination. Discover the full range of products and our HydroCare packages today and taste the difference.