What causes hard water ?
Water that is hard contains calcium and magnesium compounds. Rain
water is naturally soft - it does not contain any minerals, but
as it seeps through the ground it can pick up minerals, such as
calcium and magnesium compounds, from the soil and rocks it passes
through. If rain water passes through soft rocks like chalk or limestone,
it picks up these minerals. If it passes through hard rocks, such
as granite or through peaty soils, it does not pick up these minerals
and so remains soft.
What are the problems with hard water ?
Hard water causes pipes to fur up and scale to collect in kettles
and in electric irons and washing machines. If the scale collects
on heating elements it shortens their life and makes appliances
less efficient. It is also more difficult to work up a lather from
soap, washing up liquid and washing powders. It can also cause "tide
marks" on basins, sinks, baths and toilets.
How can I find out if I have hard water ?
You can get detailed information from your water company. Enquiry
numbers are listed under WATER in your telephone directory.
Source: " A Consumers' Guide to Water Softeners " - copyright
British Water
Is there a standard for the hardness of drinking water?
There is no maximum value for total hardness of water supplies.
There are maximum values for two substances, calcium and magnesium,
which cause hard water. In England and Wales all water supplies
meet the value for calcium and six supplies exceed marginally the
value for magnesium, but as there is no risk to health, a relaxation
of the magnesium value has been granted by the Inspectorate for
these supplies. Where water companies soften water before they put
it into supply, there is a minimum value for total hardness which
all the softened supplies meet.
Should I use a water softener ?
This is a matter of personal choice. A softener will improve the
efficiency and increase the life of appliances using hot water.
It will make lathering easier and reduce tide marks on sanitary
ware. Some people with skin conditions, such as eczema, have fewer
problems if they use soft water for washing. But if you do install
a water softener you should make sure that you have a supply of
unsoftened water for drinking and cooking.
This is because:
· there is evidence of less heart disease in hard water areas
than in soft water areas, although not all studies find this link.
If something in hard water protects against heart disease, water
softeners might remove this protection along with the hardness
· many water softeners work by replacing the hardness with
sodium. Too much sodium can be a problem for premature babies because
their kidneys are not good at filtering it out of the blood, and
for people who are on a low sodium (low salt) diet
· soft water may release lead from any lead pipes downstream
from the softener
· a softener which has not been properly looked after may
release germs into the water.
If you do decide to have a water softener we advise that you buy
it from a reputable supplier, for example, one which is a member
of British Water (information service 0181 878 8618), and have it
installed by a qualified plumber who is a member of a recognised
Trade Association, such as the Institute of Plumbing. We also advise
that you maintain it in accordance with the supplier's instructions.
Magnetic and Electrical conditioning devices
Some of these devices have been shown to be effective in reducing
the amount of fur or scale that actually sticks to pipes or heating
elements. They do not soften water. However, not all products on
the market give satisfactory performance. You are advised not to
buy one of these devices unless the supplier will agree to a sale
or return, subject to satisfactory performance.
The H2Flow magnetic water conditioner from Ecoflow
comes with an unconditional 90-day 100% money-back warranty.
Where can I get more information about drinking water quality?
If you would like more information about drinking water quality
you can get it from:
Your water company's public record
You can see the record at one of the company's offices. Customer
services staff will explain the result of tests and tell you what
is being done to rectify any failures. You are entitled to a free
copy of the record for the area in which you live. Alternatively,
you can write to the company for details.
Your local authority
Water companies are required to give local authorities information
about the quality of water supply in their areas.
Our Annual Reports
These are lengthy reports containing a great deal of detailed information
about the quality of drinking water in England and Wales. They can
be bought from the Stationary Office. You may be able to see a copy
at a main library or at your water company's offices. We also publish
a free leaflet each year giving the results of the water company's
monitoring.
Other Leaflets
· What Do We Do ?
· How Good is the Drinking Water ?
· Chlorine, Smell, Taste
· Discoloured Water
· Lead in Drinking Water
· Private Water Supplies
· Problems with your Drinking Water
· DWI Summary Reports on each water company
Printed versions of the above leaflets are available from us free
of charge
Drinking Water Inspectorate,
Floor 2/A1, Ashdown House,
123 Victoria Street,
London, SW1E 6DE
Telephone : 020 7944 5956
Facsimile : 020 7944 5969
E-mail: dwi_enquiries@detr.gov.uk
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