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1. What is the difference between hard and soft water?

Put quite simply, hard water has more minerals in it than soft water. Calcium carbonate is the mineral most commonly associated with water hardness. This is the same mineral found in many calcium supplements sold by your local drug or health food store. Hard water reduces the “sudsing” ability of soap and causes the spots on your dishes and glasses after washing and air-drying.

2. What is the white residue I find at the bottom of my pots and tea kettle, and around my faucet fixtures? What can I do to get rid of it?

The white residue is calcium carbonate. There are cleaning products on the market made specifically for its removal. A “green” alternative for removing hardness residue is warm vinegar. Add ½ cup of white distilled vinegar to the tea kettle or pot, fill with water, and let sit overnight. Persistent residue can be removed by warming vinegar in the kettle or pot, cooling, and rinsing well afterwards. More information about removing calcium carbonate

3. Is calcium carbonate bad for me?

No, calcium carbonate is an essential nutrient that is used by your body to fortify bones and teeth. It also helps your muscles to function properly.

4. What is my water hardness in grains/gallon?

In most cases, water quality parameters are reported in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). To convert hardness in ppm (or mg/L) to grains per gallon (gpg), simply divide by 17.1. For example, water hardness of 100 ppm equals 100/17.1 or 5.85 gpg.