Water hardness is an important factor for both households and industrial applications. It affects, among other things, washing results, our household appliances, and water taste. But how do you measure water hardness, and how do you find out the hardness of the water in your area? Here we explain what you need to know.
What is water hardness?
Water hardness is defined by its content of calcium and magnesium ions. The higher the concentration of these minerals, the harder the water. Soft water has a low concentration of these ions, while hard water has a higher concentration.
Hard water can lead to limescale deposits in pipes, coffee makers, and washing machines, while soft water can be better for washing results and reduce the need for detergent.
How do you measure water hardness?
There are several ways to measure water hardness:
Test strips: Test strips are easy to use and can be purchased in stores or online. You dip the strip in water, and after a few seconds, you compare the color to a scale that shows the water's hardness.
Drop kits: A drop kit works by adding a chemical indicator to the water. Depending on the number of drops required to reach a color change, you can determine the hardness.
Digital meters: A digital meter is more advanced and provides an exact reading of the hardness. These are often more expensive but are used in professional contexts.
How do you find out your municipality's water hardness?
If you don't want to measure yourself, you can easily find out the water hardness in your area by contacting your municipality or the local waterworks. Here are three simple steps:
Visit the municipality's website: Most municipalities have information about water quality on their website. Search for "water quality" or "water hardness".
Call customer service: If the information is not available online, you can call the municipality's waterworks or customer service for assistance.
Check the water report: Some municipalities send annual reports on water quality. These reports often contain information on hardness, pH value, and other important parameters.
Why is it important to know?
Knowing the water's hardness helps you to:
Optimize the use of laundry and dishwashing detergents.
Prevent limescale deposits in household appliances.
Protect your pipes and reduce maintenance costs.
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Three questions to ponder:
- What is water hardness and how does it affect you?
Answer: Water hardness depends on its content of calcium and magnesium ions. This affects washing, cleaning, and household appliances.
- What methods can you use to measure water hardness at home?
Answer: There is test equipment to buy, but it is also fine to contact your municipality for information.
How do you contact your municipality for information on water hardness?
Answer: Start by searching the website; if you cannot find the answer there, then contact the municipality via email or phone.
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