How Does a Mineral Deposit Affect Tap Water?
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How Do Mineral Deposits Affect Tap Water?
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Mineral deposits are simply residues from the minerals present in water once the water evaporates. Most minerals found in tap water are calcium and magnesium based, but can also include some metals such as copper and iron, and usually depend on the geological attributes of the area in which the water originated. The minerals within water that are responsible for deposits generally are safe, but can be unsightly. Hard water spots are a result of mineral deposits. Mineral deposits in tap water can affect hair as well. Copper can cling to blonde hair and give it a green appearance. Iron can change brunettes into red heads over time.
Is Tap Water Containing Minerals Safe?
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Tap water containing minerals is generally safe to drink. There has been some research to show that taking in high concentrations of magnesium and calcium through drinking water can lead to an increased risk of heart conditions, but these levels have to be quite high. Any local water municipality will have on record the mineral composition of the tap water it treats, or have the ability to test well water. Any resident can therefore find out the mineral composition of the water he or she drinks.
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How to Avoid or Reduce Mineral Deposits
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Using distilled water is your best bet in ridding water of mineral deposits. In the process of distillation, water is boiled, and the steam is condensed and collected. Because the minerals do not leave with the steam and are left behind, distilled water is free from all minerals. Getting rid of deposits left on glasses, silverware, coffee pots, and shower doors is as simple as using a dilute vinegar solution, which reacts with the calcium and magnesium carbonate so it can be rinsed away. If minerals deposit color into the hair, there are cleansers that are specially formulated to bind with these minerals on the hair and remove them.
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