Water is an essential part of our daily lives in more ways than one. But, while we take our drinking water for granted, have you ever wondered about the quality of the water flowing from your taps? And do you know about water hardness? In this article, we’ll answer the question of ’What is water hardness?’, why it happens, how it affects you – and what you can do about it.

What is water hardness?

Water’s a fluid, so how can it be hard? Good question. Water hardness is all about the concentration level of dissolved minerals, including calcium and magnesium, in your tap water. These minerals come from underground geological formations, and levels can vary depending on the region where you live. 

Groundwater sources (aquifers) have more mineral content than surface water (rivers and reservoirs), but most water companies will use a mix of both to supply properties in their network. In the UK, the degree of water hardness is typically measured on a scale of parts per million (ppm), with 0-150 being soft to slightly hard and 150-350 being moderately hard to very hard.

Why does water hardness happen?

The geological composition of the UK determines the water hardness in your area. The different geological structures across the country lead to mineral concentrations in groundwater sources that differ from region to region. As rainwater seeps through rocks and soil, it picks up different minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. 

Areas with higher limestone or chalk deposits, particularly in the east and around the southeast, tend to have harder water due to increased calcium content. But, while hard water is not harmful to our health, it can cause challenges for how we use water at home. 

Having hard water can lead to the build-up of scale deposits in plumbing, pipework, and appliances. Over time, this build-up can affect the performance and reduce the efficiency of kettles, washing machines, dishwashers, and other water appliances. Hard water can also affect the appearance and feel of your hair and skin. The minerals can leave a residue, making them feel dry and less smooth.

How to manage water hardness

If you know you live in a region where tap water is excessively hard, there are ways to manage it. Water softeners can be installed in your home to reduce the concentration of minerals in your water. These devices use ion exchange to replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, helping to produce softer water without using any chemicals.

It's important to note that while water softeners can improve water quality in terms of scale reduction and improved soap lathering, they may increase the sodium content of your water. This issue can be a consideration for anyone on low-sodium diets or people with specific health concerns.

Eliminate drinking water hardness with Thirsty Work

Understanding water hardness is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of your household appliances and ensuring your family's health. By being aware of the water hardness in your area, you can take steps to manage it and enhance your overall water quality. 

But besides that, you just may not like the taste. Bad-tasting water is another common issue and one of the biggest reasons people turn to water coolers and hot water dispensers. To eliminate the hardness of your drinking water, why not install a Thirsty Work bottled water cooler, mains-fed water cooler, or hot water dispenser?

Whether it’s water from our natural spring in Shropshire for our bottled water or having your mains water ultra-filtered through our advanced filtration system in our mains-fed water dispensers or hot water dispensers, the taste is exceptional. 

Talk to our customer service team about getting a quote or starting your 10-day free trial. Call Thirsty Work on 01392 877 172, email hello@thirstywork.com, or message us today.