Although hard water (containing calcium and magnesium) is good for your health, do take some preventative measures to protect your fittings and equipment from limescale.
Hard water
What are the characteristics of hard water ?
In its natural state all water contains calcium.
Water hardness is measured by the quantity of dissolved calcium (and magnesium) which the water contains.The greater the quantity, the harder the water.
Why are there varying levels of water hardness ?
Water hardness is directly linked to the geographical nature of the soil the water passes through. This is why water hardness varies depending on the geographical area. Chalky soil imparts calcium to the water and thus makes the water harder than if it had passed through granite or sandy soil.
What are the effects of hard water on your health ?
Calcium dissolved in water does not pose a health risk.
On the contrary, calcium and magnesium are even recommended for growth and are good for healthy teeth and bones. As a result tap water can account for up to 15 to 20% of our daily requirement of calcium.
What preventative measures can be taken to reduce limescale caused by hard water ?
If your water is very hard, here are some preventative measures you can take to protect your fittings and equipment and avoid the build up of limescale:
- your immersion heater and boiler : reduce the temperature of your hot water to 60°C. Above that, the tartar (deposits of chalk found in the water) builds up a lot more quickly.
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your electrical equipment : follow the manufacturers' recommendations regarding water hardness. You can also use anti-scaling products to prevent limescale from building up too quickly.
How can you tell hard water from soft ?
When water is hard:
- soap does not readily lather and rinses easily ;
- the water leaves behind whitish traces in saucepans, in the washing up and in bathroom fittings (baths, washbasins...) ;
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it furs up the hot water pipes, boilers and electrical appliances.
