How to Purify Hard Water
Hard water contains high concentrations of magnesium and calcium. These chemicals are leached out of carbonate aquifers and present numerous problems. They clog faucets and water pipes, leave residue on glass surfaces and appliances, waste energy, and make it difficult to wash and do laundry. When dissolved minerals contact metal pipes and glass, they tend to precipitate and, over time, clog plumbing and leave deposits. They also prevent soap from lathering and force bathers to use more of it. Furthermore, hard water requires more energy to heat.
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Things You'll Need
- Reverse osmosis filter
- Resin filter
- Descaler
- Distillation kit
- Optional carbon filter
Instructions
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Filter water through a resin water softener. This system removes magnesium and calcium ions (dissolved salts causing hardness) by exchanging them for sodium as water passes over a resin. The resin can be recharged with sodium for many reuses. This method is good for the bathroom, washing clothes and showering. The disadvantage is that it leaves the water salty and often undrinkable.
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Use a descaler. This system sends water through magnetic fields or charged mediums to alter ion polarity, thus preventing them from precipitating in the plumbing. The disadvantage with this system is that while there appears to be a lot of anecdotal evidence for its effectiveness, there is no substantial scientific proof of it. Furthermore, the calcium and magnesium remain in the water.
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Use a reverse osmosis (RO) filter. It is an effective way of removing salts (sodium and magnesium) to provide drinking water. Pressure forces water through a membrane whose pores are too small to allow salt to pass. The result is soft, drinkable water. The disadvantage with reverse osmosis filters is that they don't remove chlorine and can be costly.
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Distill the water. Distillation is the process of vaporizing and condensing water. It removes all contaminants and leaves water soft, pure and drinkable. The disadvantage is that it can be costly and removes every mineral, many of which are beneficial and essential to health.
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Use a combination of methods for the most effective way to deal with "harder" (high concentrations of salts) water problems. For example, for bathing and washing, the resin system is the most efficient and cost effective; for drinking and cooking, reverse osmosis followed by carbon filtration (to remove chlorine) is an excellent choice; for medical uses, distilling water is an effective way to prevent infection.
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Collect rainwater, as in many rural areas it's pure and soft. Let nature purify the water for you.
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Tips & Warnings
Before purchasing water softening equipment, determine the water hardness. It may not be needed.
Hardness kits are inexpensive and easily found.
Without proof of purity, rainwater should be filtered and treated, especially in urban areas with high levels of pollution.
References
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