What is hard water and how it harms the body?

Introduction

With depleting underground water and reducing fresh water resources, India is facing a unique challenge – that of ‘Hard water’. This problem is particularly acute in two kind of places, one in large cities due to lack of fresh water resources and second in areas near to coast or salt fields (like Katchh). Hard water term not only describes the mineral content but also hints at the potential health impacts it may have on the human body. In this blog, we explore into the details of hard water and uncover how it can harm the body.

 

Defining Hard Water:

Hard water is water that has a lot of minerals in it, like calcium and magnesium. These minerals can cause problems like making soap less effective and leaving residue on surfaces called Soap scum.

Hard water differs from soft water, which has low concentrations of these minerals. Soft water is typically more desirable for household use as it causes less buildup of mineral deposits in pipes, appliances, and fixtures.

The Composition of Hard Water:

The hardness of water is measured in terms of the concentration of these minerals, usually expressed in units of parts per million (ppm) or grains per gallon (gpg). Water with a high mineral content can create problems in households and industrial settings, including scale buildup called Limescale in pipes and appliances, reduced soap effectiveness, and a cloudy or hazy appearance.

 

The hardness of water can be classified as follows:

Soft water: 0 – 60 ppm

Moderately hard water: 60 – 120 ppm

Hard water:  120 - 180 ppm

Very hard water:  < 180 ppm

 

Effects on the Body:

Impact on Skin: Hard water can affect your skin noticeably. The minerals in hard water can also change the pH balance of your skin, weakening it as a barrier against harmful bacteria and infections. People with eczema may be especially vulnerable. It can make your skin dry, irritated. This happens because the minerals in hard pollution and weather

Hair-related Concerns: Hard water isn't kind to our hair either. It can lead to dry, dull hair that is prone to breakage. The minerals form deposits on the hair shaft, making it challenging to maintain a healthy and vibrant mane. Check out hard water shampoo for hair

Digestive Health: Consuming hard water regularly may affect digestive health. The minerals can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, potentially leading to gastrointestinal issues over time.

 

Health Risks and Concerns:

Increased Risk of Kidney Stones, Cardiovascular Health, and Skin Issues are among the primary concerns associated with the consumption and exposure to hard water. Kidney stones, in particular, are a well-documented consequence of prolonged consumption of water high in calcium and magnesium.

 

Preventive Measures:

There are ways to mitigate the impact of hard water on our health.

One can go with full house water softeners which works on ion exchange principles. These costs upwards of 50,000 INR

Nowadays, since most people go with RO water purifiers for drinking water, only bathing water remains to be treated and used. At RiverSoft we have designed proprietary shower filters which can help in reducing the harmful effects of hard water during bathing. We will explore more about this in future blogs.

 

Conclusion:

In our daily lives, water plays a vital role. Hard water, with its mineral-laden composition, presents challenges to our health that should not be ignored. By adopting preventive measures and staying informed, we can ensure that the water we consume contributes to our well-being rather than posing a risk to our health. As we navigate the complexities of water quality, let us prioritize health and take the necessary steps to safeguard ourselves from the potential harms of hard water.

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