Did you know that there’s more than one type of water? For example, there are distilled water, purified water, alkaline water, and glacier water.
That’s not all, it can also be hard or soft, depending on its mineral content. And for those who are wondering, yes, they’re both safe to drink.
That’s not to say that they don’t have their pros and cons, though.
Are you interested in learning about the two types? Want to know more about the difference between hard and soft water? If so, you’re in the right place because that’s exactly what we’ll be talking about in this post.
Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water refers to water that high in dissolved minerals. More specifically, calcium, and magnesium, though it can also contain trace amounts of iron, manganese, and aluminum.
Note: Water hardness will differ depending on where you live.
Signs That You Have Hard Water
Hard water tends to leave a white, chalky residue on your dishes. Not only that, but it can make it difficult to rinse the soap from the surface of your skin, leaving it dry.
On top of that, it can make your clothes and linens look dull. Plus, it can cause low water pressure due to clogged pipes.
What Is Soft Water?
Soft water is different from hard water in that it contains low amounts of minerals (with the exception of sodium). Take rainwater, for example, it’s initially soft aka it does not contain any calcium or magnesium.
And for those who are wondering, yes, it is possible to soften water with a softener. Basically, it’s a device that will remove the minerals from the water.
Signs That You Have Soft Water
Soft water is much better to wash your hands with. Not only will it give you a healthy lather, but there will be no soap scum or stains.
Also, your clothes will be much cleaner with less wear-and-tear damage. And since it doesn’t contain any minerals, you won’t have to worry about your pipes being clogged. In other words, you’ll have healthy water pressure in your home.
In addition to that, some might discover that it also tastes a bit saltier due to its sodium content.
Should You Drink Soft Or Hard Water?
Both hard and soft water is safe to drink. With that said, the former may offer more health benefits due to its mineral content.
Some studies also suggest the drinking hard water may have cardiovascular benefits. However, more studies are necessary to back up that claim.
Understanding the Difference Between Hard and Soft Water
Hopefully, that gives you a better understanding of the difference between hard and soft water. As you can see, their properties are quite different despite looking the same!
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