Spots on dishes and soap scum on glass shower doors are tell-tale signs of hard water. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, hard water is common in many parts of the country, including the Sacramento and Central Valleys of California.
In general, hard water is any water that contains significant amounts of naturally occurring minerals – particularly calcium and magnesium.
Because water is an excellent solvent, it readily dissolves minerals as it slowly moves through layers of rock and soil. As a result, groundwater tends to have a higher mineral content and be "harder" than water from rivers and streams.
Water laden with minerals came to be known as “hard” because their presence tends to make it difficult to lather soaps and detergents. Water containing minute amounts of calcium or magnesium is referred to as "soft" water.
Though hard water can be a nuisance, it is not known to cause adverse health effects. In fact, calcium and magnesium are essential nutrients. Hard water is safe for drinking, cooking, and other household uses.
How Do I Know if My Water is Hard?
There are many ways to tell if you have hard water. Calcium buildup and scale on plumbing fixtures and appliances is one sign. Soap scum and film on shower walls, bathtubs, sinks, and faucets is another. Many people with hard water find that soaps, shampoos, and household cleaners don’t lather well.
The water SSWD provides to customers comes from wells (groundwater) and, when available, surface water. Water hardness levels may vary throughout the year depending on the source(s) used for supply. At any given time, customers may receive only surface water, groundwater, or a blend of both. For additional water quality information, please visit our Consumer Confidence Reports page.
What Can I Do About Hard Water Spots?
Many people use a rinse aid in their dishwasher to prevent spots on dishes.
Commercial products are available that specifically target hard water deposits on bathtubs, showers, and appliances. These items can be purchased at home improvement, drug, or grocery stores. Please be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these products.
