What is Hard Water?
To appreciate the benefits of a water softening system, it helps to understand what makes water “hard.”
Hard water occurs when there is an excess of calcium and magnesium minerals. When these minerals are exposed to heat or oxygen, they quickly crystallize and precipitate out of the water, forming a stubborn white crust.
Water chemistry generally classifies a supply as “hard” once total hardness reaches 100 parts per million (ppm). Above this level, the day-to-day problems become highly visible.
- The water is difficult to leather
- The water leaves white marks
- The water coats elements when heated
- It is the heart of most salinity problems in irrigation.
- It’s unpleasant or not suitable to drink


