Do you notice that your hands feel slippery or slimy after washing with soap and water? Are your drinking glasses blemished or spotty after being washed? If so, you may have hard water.

If you are dealing with residential or commercial water-quality issues, contact hard water Tampa.

Hard Water:  A Scientific Explanation

Hard water does not refer to solid ice. Instead, it is a term used to describe water that has high concentrations of dissolved minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. Water is deemed to be hard if it has greater than 60 milligrams per liter of dissolved calcium carbonate. If the water has less than that it is termed ‘soft” and is preferable for most domestic and industrial uses. Water hardness is generally constant through time in any given region.

Hard Water Problems and What To Do About It

Hard water is fortunately not a health concern.  It can, however, be a nuisance. Hard water contributes mineral buildup, also known as “scale”, in pipes, fixtures, and water heaters. It degrades the efficiency of soap and detergent. It can make dishwashers and other water-using appliances run poorly. 

The addition of weak or dilute acid to the water stream can help in some cases. For example, running a dishwasher with vinegar through a cycle or two can improve performance. In other cases, you may wish to purchase water softening agents. If you have well water, a professional well-water softening procedure is a great remedy.

Places in The United States Prone to Having Hard Water

Water hardness naturally varies throughout the United States. Areas of the country that are particularly prone to having hard water are the Great Plains states, parts of the Midwest, Appalachia, parts of Florida, and some areas in the western United States. Tampa, Florida is one area known for naturally occurring hard water.