Water easily picks up and dissolves impurities. Metals, salts, anions and cations, and minerals are easily dissolved in it. This changes the properties of water and it does not remain colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Reverse Osmosis Water filters are required to fully remove TDS.
Our Pick for the Best Reverse Osmosis Systems
Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water
Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it
Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration
Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
EPA approved and certified by leading drinking water environmental groups
More expensive than most systems
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Our water scientists and engineers spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers .
What Is TDS in Water?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refers to the elements dissolved in water. These include organics salts and organic matter dissolved in water that changes its composition. The most common organic salts dissolved in water include sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sulfates, and chlorides.
These dissolved solids change the water composition and may make it unsafe for drinking.
Where Do Total Dissolved Solids Come from?
Most of the time, total dissolved solids in drinking water come from natural sources. A high TDS is also caused because of an urban run-off, sewage, industrial wastewater, or an abundance of chemicals used in the water treatment process. The hardware and pipes used to deliver water to your taps may also cause a high TDS level.
The main cause of elevated TDS levels in the U.S. is environmental factors. Seawater intrusion, salt deposits, carbonate deposits, and mineral springs all contribute to high TDS levels. However, these are not the only reasons for a high TDS level. It is also caused by anti-skid materials, de-icing of roads, stormwater, chemicals used in water treatment, wastewater discharges, and agricultural runoffs.
Effect of High Amounts of Total Dissolved Solids
Here is what water with a high level of TDS causes:
TDS Change in Taste
A high amount of total dissolved solids in water affects its taste. Your water may taste sulfuric, salty, or bitter depending on the different types of solids dissolved in it. This makes the water difficult to drink and it does not remain as healthy and refreshing as one would want it to be. Pure water is tasteless but added solids make it taste unpleasant.
TDS Affects Health
While water with high TDS may not be completely unsafe to drink, some solids can change its composition. Copper and lead dissolved in water not only changes its taste but also make it unsafe and unhealthy to drink. It can even lead to serious health issues that need medical attention.
TDS Affects the Taste of Food
Water with a high level of TDs also changes the taste of your food.
TDS Reduces the Life of Filters
The water filtration systems installed at your house are also affected by high levels of TDS. Filters need to be replaced more often. It is also important to check your water filtration systems and follow a proper maintenance schedule to ensure they are working in their best condition.
TDS Makes Cleaning Difficult
Cleaning with water high in TDS also makes cleaning a difficult task. It leaves ugly patches and spots on the floor. Utensils are also not properly cleaned. Water with high TDS also fades the color of your clothes and can lead to an increased buildup in faucets, tubs, and sinks.
Importance of Measuring TDS
Measuring the amount of total dissolved solids in water gives you an idea about the quality of water. TDS testers help you find out the levels of solids in water. There is a limit to the number of dissolved solids in water that does not change its composition. Anything above that makes the water unsafe for consumption.
Water with TDS higher than 1000mg/L is not fit for consumption. It can lead to several health issues. TDS levels in water increase with the presence of chlorides, sodium, and potassium. However, the water may become hazardous if consumed when toxic ions are abundant in it.
This includes arsenic cadmium, nitrate, and lead. These compounds can cause serious health issues, especially in children. Children don’t have a well-developed immune system and are therefore more sensitive to these contaminants and compounds.
Drinking Water TDS
As mentioned before, high levels of TDS can change the composition of water and make it unsafe for drinking. Here is a chart showing the different TDS levels in water and if they are safe for drinking or not.
| TDS Levels | Palatability Quotient |
| Between 50-150 | Excellent for drinking |
| 150-250 | Good |
| 250-300 | Fair |
| 300-500 | Poor |
| Above 1200 | Unacceptable |
How to Reduce the Amount of TDS in Water?
There are some measures you can take to reduce the amount of TDS in water. It can help you make your drinking water safe for consumption.
Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
One of the most effective ways to reduce TDS levels from drinking water is to install a reverse osmosis water filtration system in your home. Water is passed through a synthetic membrane under high pressure. This synthetic filter contains microscopic pores.
Only the particles that are smaller than 0.0001 microns can pass through the membrane. Salts and other metals dissolved in water are larger than this size. This prevents them from passing through the filter. Water molecules squeeze through the membrane and the impurities are left behind. This reduces the level of TDS in water and makes it fit for drinking and other domestic uses.
A reverse osmosis water filtration system will help you get clean and safe drinking water. It will prevent any health issues in you and your family.
It is important to only choose the best water filtration system and get it installed by experts. You must also change the filters in your reverse osmosis unit regularly so that the quality of drinking water is not affected over time.
Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water
Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it
Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration
Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
EPA approved and certified by leading drinking water environmental groups
More expensive than most systems
Conclusion
High levels of total dissolved solids can lead to serious health issues. The presence of compounds such as arsenic and lead can even cause poisoning. Therefore, it is important to get your drinking water checked for its TDS levels. If the TDS levels are high, install a reverse osmosis water filtration system and get healthy and clean drinking water.
What is a Boil Water Advisory?
If the tap water in your area is contaminated and making you sick, the authorities in your area will issue a boil water advisory. When there is a boil advisory, you should boil tap water before drinking it. Or install a reverse osmosis system and never worry about boil advisories again!
Our Pick for the Best Reverse Osmosis System
Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water
Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it
Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration
Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
EPA approved and certified by leading drinking water environmental groups
More expensive than most systems
Why Trust Waterful.org?
Our water scientists and engineers spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers .
A boil order may provide necessary information for household activities that make use of water, such as bathing, brushing teeth, dishwashing, preparing ice, making food and beverages.
Worried about a boil water advisory near me? You should visit your state website for more information. In the Google search box, you can type ‘boil water advisory’ followed by your state. From the results you will know about any current boil water advisory, you will also be able to see a record of any previous boil order.
The boil order typically includes the following recommendations.
Boil Advisory Standard Recommendations
- Only use boiled or bottled water for cooking food, preparing food and drinking water.
- In case you cannot use bottled water, you will need to boil water on your own. Heat the water till it comes to a boil. Keep the water boiling for at least a minute. If you live at high elevations, you should keep boiling water for at least 3 minutes. Let the boiled water cool down before use.
- Even if your tap water is filtered, you should still boil it to remain safe.
- Avoid using any water that comes from appliances connected to water lines. For instance, you should not use water and ice coming from the refrigerator.
- For feeding your infant, breastfeeding is the best choice. If you are feeding infant formula to your child, you must buy a ready-to-use formula if it is available.
Boil Advisory Effect on Hand Washing
For most circumstances, you can use soap and tap water for washing hands. Read through the guidelines that your local health officials have provided and make sure that you follow them all.
While washing your hands, follow the 20-second rule. You should wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds. Rinse off all the soap under running water when this is complete.
If you cannot use water and soap for hand washing, then an alcohol-based sanitizer can be a practical alternative. Make sure that the sanitizer has at least 60 percent alcohol.
Boil Advisory Effect on Showering and Bathing
While showering or bathing, you should take care not to swallow tap water.
Be careful when you are giving a bath to infants and children. It is best to give them a sponge bath so that the chances of swallowing water are minimized.
Boil Advisory Effect on Brushing Teeth
For brushing teeth, you should use bottled or boiled water. Avoid using untreated tap water.
Boil Advisory Effect on Washing Water
When there is a boil water notice, you could try using disposable utensils, cups and plates if possible.
You can safely use a household dishwasher if the final water temperature is a minimum of 150 degrees Fahrenheit or 66 degrees Celsius. Your dishwasher should also have a sanitizing cycle.
Sterilize baby bottles for safety.
In case you have to wash dishes by hand, you should employ the following steps.
- Wash and rinse all dishes in the usual way with hot water.
- Use a separate basin for this step. Fill up the basin with warm water. For each gallon of water, you should pour a teaspoon of household liquid bleach (unscented).
- Keep all the rinsed dishes in this bleach solution for at least a minute.
- Allow the dishes to dry in air completely before you use them again.
Boil Advisory Effect on Laundry
You can wash clothes as you normally do when a boil order is in place.
Boil Advisory Effect on Cleaning
For cleaning purposes, you can use boiled water or bottled water. For cleaning items, you can also use water disinfected with bleach.
Boil Advisory Effect on Pet Care
Under a boil water notice, you should avoid giving untreated tap water to your pets. The germs in the water can possibly make your pets sick. Your pets might then spread these germs to others. If you want to use tap water for your pets, boil it first. You can also provide bottled water to your pets.
In case bottled water is not available, you should follow the guideline for boiling tap water for your pets. Heat the tap water till it starts boiling. Let it boil for at least 60 seconds. At high elevations, you should boil the water for at least 3 minutes. Allow the water to cool down before using it for your pets.
Do not use filtered water without boiling. Even if filtered, tap water is not safe for pets unless it is boiled.
Avoid water coming from appliances that have a direct connection to a water line. For instance, you should not use water and ice from your refrigerator.
Boil Advisory Effect on Houseplants and Garden
You can use tap water for your garden and houseplants even during a boil advisory.
The health authorities in your area may issue a boil water advisory if there is a risk of contamination in the water supply. Boiling the tap water, according to the guidelines mentioned above, is necessary to render it safe for drinking and several other purposes.
Boiling works because it can kill the germs infesting your tap water. These germs can cause infections and disease; hence, it is necessary to kill them by boiling. Boiling removes the threat from germs. However, it cannot remove contaminants and pollutants from your tap water. For removing these toxic substances, you will need to install a high quality water filter that conforms to standards.
Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water
Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it
Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration
Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
EPA approved and certified by leading drinking water environmental groups
More expensive than most systems
Conclusion
Many people avoid drinking carbonated water thinking that it might be bad for health. The good news for them is there is no valid evidence to prove all the myths about carbonated water. In fact, a lot of research says the opposite. So, you can sip sparkling water from a carbonation machine or a can with zero guilt. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it also has a handful of health benefits for your body.
Why Does My Water Look Pink?
Why does my water look pink? This is a question that many bewildered people find themselves asking when they are surprised to see bright pink water coming out of their faucets.
The reason why this might happen is because potassium permanganate is commonly used to disinfect water and it turns the water pink when it dissolves.
Our Pick for the Best Potassium Permanganate Filters
Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water
Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it
Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration
Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
EPA approved and certified by leading drinking water environmental groups
More expensive than most systems
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Our water scientists and engineers spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers .
Pink Tap Water? Blame Water Contamination
Residents in places like Ohio and Trenton have woken up to find pink water coming out of the taps. However, authorities insist that the unnatural looking water is not dangerous.
Tap water might turn pink because of a malfunction at the filtration plant that supplies water to your area.
In June 2019, when residents of Coal Grove Ohio found pink water flowing from their taps, authorities told them that the water was safe for drinking. However, it will stain the laundry.
When alarmed residents of Coal Grove, Ohio started complaining, authorities responded by saying that it is a malfunction at the water treatment plant that supplies tap water for the area. As a result of the malfunction too much potassium permanganate disinfectant was released into the water producing the shocking pink discoloration. The authorities said that samples of the water were tested and found to have potassium permanganate levels below that were safe according to EPA standards.
Although just 7 pounds of potassium permanganate is used at the facility for disinfection purposes, on the day of the incident, about a hundred pounds were released into the water by accident. As a result, pink discoloration appeared in the water. However, even though such a large amount of the chemical entered the water supply, authorities insist that it is safe since the water is within EPA safety standards for potassium permanganate.
Uses of Potassium Permanganate
Potassium permanganate also helps to remove manganese and iron from tap water. The chemical removes these heavy metals by oxidizing them. In the oxidized form, these heavy metals turn into bigger particles that can be filtered out easily before the water goes into the piping system.
Besides removing iron and manganese ions, potassium permanganate can also remove hydrogen sulfide from the water. Hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs and is responsible for the foul smell in waste water and well water.
Potassium permanganate is also an antiseptic agent. Hence, it finds use in the treatment of lesions, ulcers and wounds that are superficial in nature.
However, since it is a strong oxidizer, it has the same drawback as another powerful oxidizer chlorine. If the undiluted form comes into direct contact with your skin, then it will result in burns and irritation.
Due to these properties, potassium permanganate is a powerful chemical for water treatment. In fact, besides chlorine, it is the most widely used water treatment chemical. One of the major downsides of potassium permanganate is that it can discolor laundry. Hence, you should not use discolored pink water to wash your clothes.
Removing Pink Discoloration from Your Tap Water
Pink discoloration of water due to excessive potassium permanganate is not very common. When they do happen, authorities fix the problem by trying to dilute water so that the shocking pink color goes away. They will look into the mechanical problem that led to the addition of large amounts of potassium permanganate in order to fix it. Even after the addition of large amounts of potassium permanganate, the water supply is well within EPA safety guidelines. Hence, authorities do not normally issue a warning even when there is a deep pink discoloration in the tap water as a result of potassium permanganate. Officials say that the water poses no danger despite its intense discoloration since it does not exceed hazardous levels as defined by the EPA.
When the water does turn pink, it does not remain in this state for too long since authorities can take immediate action to resolve the issue like flushing large amounts of clean water into the water supply to dilute it and fixing the mechanical failure that led to the addition of large quantities of potassium permanganate.
What You Can Do About Pink Water
Hence, you should not panic if you find that the water is pink since the color will soon go away and it is not dangerous in the short term. However, you should still take steps to remove the small amounts of potassium permanganate that normally remain in water even when it is clear.
Besides potassium permanganate, there may be other chemicals and pollutants in your water supply, including heavy metals, pharmaceutical compounds, organic solvents, herbicides and pesticides among several others. Heavy metals commonly found in tap water include lead, mercury, chromium and manganese. Other toxic substances like arsenic are also commonly found in tap water. These substances are dangerous for your health and may damage your health if ingested over the long term. Consuming these toxic substances through tap water may lead to several chronic conditions, including cancer and neurological problems.
Hence, you need an efficient solution for removing these harmful compounds from your tap water to render it safe both for yourself and your loved ones.
Reverse Osmosis Is the Answer
Reverse osmosis systems are the gold standard in water treatment since they can remove a wide array of toxic compounds in your tap water that are a serious cause of concern for you.
Reverse osmosis works by forcing untreated water through a semipermeable membrane. The water that is forced through the membrane has fewer harmful contaminants. The semipermeable membrane allows water particles to pass through but filters other contaminants.
Reverse osmosis systems often have multiple stages for improved filtration performance. As a result of this, you can be assured that all kinds of contaminants are being substantially removed from your tap water.
The semipermeable membrane is a high performance filtration material. It has the capability to remove around 98 percent of total dissolved solids.
A reverse osmosis system can bring down all kinds of harmful contaminants, including fluoride, salt, sediment, chlorine, arsenic, volatile organic compounds, herbicides, pesticides, and toxic heavy metalsm including lead and mercury.
So if you are worried about foul smelling water that has a horrible taste and suspicious appearance, then you should not hesitate to install a reverse osmosis system. Even if your water looks clear, there is no telling what toxic compounds may be lurking in there and what they can do to your health in the long term.
So take no chances and install a reverse osmosis filter today!
Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water
Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it
Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration
Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
EPA approved and certified by leading drinking water environmental groups
More expensive than most systems
Why Does My Water Look Milky?
Why does my water look milky? Why is my water cloudy? Is cloudy water safe to drink? These are some of the critical questions that come to the minds of people as they stare aghast at the turbid white water coming out their taps. Obviously, when peering at this suspicious fluid, there is a deep sense of foreboding that this water will prove dangerous for your health. And you are right.
Our Pick for the Best Reverse Osmosis System
Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water
Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it
Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration
Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
EPA approved and certified by leading drinking water environmental groups
More expensive than most systems
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Our water scientists and engineers spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers .
Gastrointestinal Illnesses from Milky Water
Studies are now showing that cloudy and milky water can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, vomiting and diarrhea. Research has linked cloudy and milky water to several illnesses, making it clear that it is unsafe for you to drink.
Having understood this, the straight answer to your question ‘is cloudy water safe to drink?’ is an emphatic ‘No!’
Milky Water Scientific Studies
One study carried out by Drexel University shows that water turbidity is linked with illnesses of the gastrointestinal tract. Water turbidity refers to the level of cloudiness, milkiness or opaqueness found in dirty, unsafe water. Gastrointestinal illnesses can affect the organs in your gastrointestinal tract such as the stomach, esophagus, large intestine, small intestine and rectum. The GI tract may also include organs that aid in digestion like the pancreas, gallbladder and liver.
Anneclaire De Roos is an associate professor at the Dornsife School of Public Health. According to her, there are more than 10 studies to show that turbid water is linked to gastrointestinal illnesses. She said that the results from studies prove that gastrointestinal illnesses rise in areas where turbid and cloudy tapwater is to be found. Waterborne pathogens cause gastrointestinal illnesses like cryptosporidium, giardia and norovirus. Infection from these pathogens may manifest in symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
Cloudiness or milkiness in water is due to undissolved solid particles floating about in water. Some researchers think that these particles may provide refuge for pathogens that cause gastrointestinal diseases. The cloudiness may also be an indication of contamination.
Further research is being carried out to find the link between cloudy milky water and disease. However, till till research reaches a conclusion, you will be well advised to take proactive measures on your own to safeguard your own health as well as the health of your family.
Symptoms of Milky Water
Symptoms and signs of gastrointestinal diseases include fever, bloody stools, cramps, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. Legionnaire’s disease is another harmful condition linked to dirty water infested with legionella bacteria. It can instigate symptoms like confusion, fatigue, chills, high temperatures, muscle pain and headaches. In extreme cases, Legionnaire’s disease can prove to be fatal.
One of the ways to avoid Legionnaire’s disease as well as other waterborne illnesses is to avoid drinking water that has been lying stagnant for several days. After you return home from a holiday, you should also run your taps so that any bacteria-laden water is cleared out.
Air Bubbles in Milky Water
However, there may be other reasons for cloudiness as well, which are not as harmful. You might open your tap to get water that is cloudy and milky when you examine it in a clear container. The cloudiness may clear up by itself. The cloudiness in water may be due to air getting trapped in the water in the form of bubbles that go away on their own eventually leaving behind clear water. If the cloudiness in water is due to air bubbles then it may not be a cause for concern. However, if the cloudiness does not go away then you should be worried.
What You Can Do About Your Tap Water
Even if your water does not have any lingering cloudiness and turbidity, you should still be suspicious of water that looks clear for it might contain several harmful contaminants. Clear water is in no way a guarantee for pure water. There may still be harmful pollutants in water, despite its clarity. After all, you don’t need large amounts of powerful toxins to ruin your health. Even small amounts of lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic are enough to cause serious health consequences if consumed in the long term. The amounts required for serious health consequences are so miniscule that they may not even be visible. You can have several heavy metals and contaminants at unsafe levels in your water without even being able to detect them through visual inspection alone.
As a consequence, you need to take whatever steps you can to remain safe. You need to install a water treatment solution that can remove visible and invisible pollutants, contaminants and toxins from your tap water. Reverse osmosis systems can help to substantially reduce levels of harmful substances in your drinking water.
Here is how to fix cloudy tap water.
The Reverse Osmosis Advantage
Reverse osmosis systems can substantially reduce all kinds of harmful substances in your tap water, including radium, fluoride, arsenic, lead, chromium, copper, chloride, mercury and cadmium.
Reverse osmosis systems are also very good at removing all kinds of viruses, bacteria and protozoa from your tap water. The reason why reverse osmosis systems are so effective against a wide array of toxins and pathogens is due to the extremely fine pores in the filter deployed. The pore size in reverse osmosis filters is just around 0.0001 micron making it a high performance material for effective water treatment.
Reverse osmosis systems deploy a semi-permeable membrane to remove harmful contaminants and pathogens from untreated water. These devices operate through a process, which is the opposite of the natural osmosis process found in nature, hence, the name of these devices. RO systems force untreated water through the ultra fine pores of the semi-permeable membrane. As a result, many harmful pathogens and toxic substances get trapped on one side of the membrane while purified water passes through the pores to the other side.
Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water
Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it
Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration
Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
EPA approved and certified by leading drinking water environmental groups
More expensive than most systems
What Is Hard Water – Everything You Need to Know
Our Picks for the Best Water Softeners
Super-efficient filtering system with double backwash mode
Made from fiberglass-lined polyethylene to prevent corrosion
Multiple cleaning and regeneration options for flexibility
5 year warranty
The programming guide should be more comprehensive
More expensive than GE brand but features higher grain count
Adjustable settings help control water consumption rate
Consistent water flow rate of 12 GPM
Metered filtration system enhances its accuracy
The installation process is tedious
It doesn’t come with a complete kit
Keeps the water pressure regulated while cleansing the water
95% purification guaranteed
Tackles minerals, rust, and sediment
Provides the whole house with odorless and tasteless water
Bulkier than most units
Not suitable for all city water sources
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Our water scientists and engineers spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers .
What is hard water and how does it affect you?
Simply put, hard water is water that is high in minerals. It contains calcium, magnesium, and trace amounts of other minerals. It is formed when water gets repeatedly filtered through deposits of chalk, limestone, or gypsum, which are mainly made up of magnesium and calcium bicarbonates, carbonates, and sulfates. The higher the amount of magnesium and calcium in water, the harder it becomes.
The Differences between Hard and Soft Water
Hard water is water that is high in minerals, while soft water has a higher concentration of sodium. Here are the main differences between hard and soft water:
- Mineral Content – Rainwater is naturally soft; however, when it runs through the ground, it ends up picking deposits of calcium and magnesium, which makes it hard. This is the main difference between hard and soft water. Soft water is water that is treated to reduce the concentration of these minerals.
- Drinking – Soft water lacks the beneficial minerals that hard water has. Additionally, at times, soft water has a salty taste to it, which makes it unsuitable for drinking.
- Household Chores/Cleaning – While hard water is beneficial for drinking due to the natural minerals, it’s not ideal for cleaning. It tends to leave spots on cookware and dishes, soap and mineral residue in the shower and tap, and also dulls the appearance of the clothes washed with it. Soft water leaves no such residue behind.
- Skin – Hard water tends to dry out the skin and might even result in dry, scaly skin over time. Soft water, on the other hand, will not cause any such harm to the skin.
How to Tell If You Have Hard Water
If you are wondering how to tell if you have hard water at home, here are some typical signs of hard water:
- White, chalky spots or residue on washed dishes – a result of calcium hardness
- Dull and rough-feeling linens and clothes
- Buildup of scale on faucets and unsightly stains on white porcelain
- Flat hair and dry skin – a result of soap residue, as it never completely washes away
- Clogged pipes, leading to low water pressure from taps and faucets
You can also test the hardness of the water in your home by checking its mineral content. According to the hardness standards set by the Water Quality Association, water is deemed as slightly hard when the mineral concentration of grains per gallon (gpg) falls between 1.0-3.5, while it is deemed as hard when the concentration falls between 7.0 and 10.5. If the concentration crosses 10.5, then the water is deemed as very hard.
You can check the concentration of minerals in water by conducting a hard water test at home. Take a clear and clean bottle with a cap, water from your tap, and a basic liquid soap. Fill one-third of the bottle with tap water and add a few drops of liquid soap. Shake it thoroughly for a few seconds. If the water does not lather and only appears to be milky or cloudy, then you have hard water in your home. Soft water tends to produce abundant bubbles on the surface, with clear water underneath.
You can also invest in a water hardness test kit. These kits are easily available online or in home improvement stores. They will allow you to test the hardness of your water, reveal the chlorine, nitrate, or iron content, and identify the level of alkalinity.
The Effects of Hard Water
When hard water is heated, it tends to form solid deposits of calcium carbonate. This scale or residue can significantly reduce the life of expensive industrial equipment as well as your cookware. Additionally, it raises the cost of heating or boiling water on an industrial scale.
The scale buildup also tends to reduce the diameter of water pipes over time, which leads to less water movement and lower water pressure. With hard water, you might end up with clogged pipes, which will add to your home improvement expenses.
With hard water, soaps also tend to leave behind a film of residue on your skin and washed dishes. Hard water tends to diminish the life of kitchenware such as porcelain and glass dishes as well; it leaves spots and scaly, soapy film on washed dishes. This is because soap reacts with calcium in the hard water to form soap scum. What’s more is that it is incredibly hard to form soap lather with hard water, which leads to increased soap usage and expense.
Hard water leaves behind brittle, white scale buildup on taps, showerheads, and water appliances. It tends to leave behind pesky white limescale marks on water heaters and kettles. It also affects the functionality of dishwashers. It reduces the efficacy of key water-using appliances over time, such as washing machines and water heaters. The stubborn and unsightly scale also builds on kitchen and bath fixtures, such as sink, toilet, shower walls, etc.
What’s more is that hard water tends to shorten the lifespan of fabrics and changes the appearance of your clothes and linen. Hard water dulls the appearance of your clothes and towels and other fabrics feel stiff and course. Hard water also tends to have an effect on your skin; it leads to excessively clean and dry skin.
Is Hard Water Bad for Hair Health?
The high concentration of minerals in hard water can cause some damage to your hair health. Hard water causes the scales in your hair to rise up, which creates a coarse, frizzy, and tangled feel and look. It roughens up the texture of your hair, which makes it easy for mineral deposits to stick to your hair and cause mineral buildup in your scalp. This buildup will eventually cause your hair to become weak and it will easily break, which will result in hard water hair loss.
To fight the damage caused by hard water, you can use a chelating or hard water shampoo. These shampoos are precisely designed to eradicate heavy hard water mineral buildup from your hair. They come with EDTA that targets these minerals and washes them away.
However, use these shampoos once a week as when used too frequently, they will dry out your hair. Also, pair them with a moisturizing shampoo to retain your hair’s natural shine and glow. Alternatively, you can use apple cider vinegar, mixed with soft water, to deal with hard water mineral buildup in your hair.
The Bottom Line
While hard water is good for drinking purposes, it can lead to a lot of expenses over time, such as clogged pipes and ruined appliances and kitchenware. It can also cause damage to your skin and hair.
Should You Drink Water With Fluoride?
Water fluoridation is still a common process in many countries, even though there is a constant debate about whether fluoride is good for your health or not. Fluoride is often found in drinking water as it helps to prevent tooth decay. However, fluoride has various side effects and may not be the best option to consume on a daily basis. Read this article to learn more about adding fluoride to drinking water and how it can affect your health.
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What is Fluoride?
Fluoride comes from fluorine, an element that is found on the periodic table. Fluoride is a strong mineral that is present in your teeth and bones, but is also found in the air, plants, soil and even rocks. One of the most common reasons fluoride is used is to make teeth stronger. Not only does fluoride protect your teeth from decay but it also helps strengthen the enamel. Fluoride can also prevent cavities.
Since fluoride is essential for your teeth, it is added to public water. However, it is important to keep in mind that extreme exposure to fluoride can result in serious health issues.
Health Risks of Fluoride
Dental Fluorosis
Very low fluoride content is good for your teeth, but if the concentration surpasses 4.0ppm, it can be seriously dangerous for your health. If growing teeth are exposed to high concentrations of fluoride, dental fluorosis can result from a very early age.
In dental fluorosis, specks or white streaks appear on your teeth. These spots don’t affect the health of your teeth, but they play a huge role in discoloration. This is why it is a good idea not to have water that contains fluoride.
Skeletal Fluorosis
Even though fluoride in water is known to make bones strong, too much fluoride can be bad for your bones and can lead to skeletal fluorosis. Over the years, this disease can damage your joints and bones severely. Your bones may thicken, which can increase the possibility of fractures. Over time, skeletal fluorosis can also affect the mobility of your joints.
Thyroid Problems
Too much fluoride consumption can result in thyroid issues since fluoride can directly affect the parathyroid gland. When the parathyroid gland is affected, your bones will lack calcium and the calcium in your bloodstream will increase.
Other Health Problems
Besides bones and teeth, fluoride can also affect various other parts of your body. Too much fluoride can cause adult acne and several other skin problems. It can also cause heart problems like arterial calcification, cardiac insufficiency, high blood pressure and even heart failure.
Extreme exposure to fluoride can also result in reproductive issues like early puberty and even fertility issues later in life. Since fluoride has a direct impact on your bones, it can cause different joint disorders and bone cancer. Too much fluoride can also result in neurological issues like ADHD.
Besides impaired brain development and the risk of cancer, too much fluoride in your water can also result in fluoride poisoning. Fluoride poisoning can result in excessive saliva, seizures, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and muscle spasms. It is important to keep in mind that this will only occur if you consume too much fluoride since fluoride in small amounts can actually be good for your bones and teeth.
How to Remove Fluoride from Water
There are a few ways to remove fluoride from drinking water. Here are some of them:
Reverse Osmosis
If you were wondering how to remove fluoride from water at home, one of the most popular ways is to use a reverse osmosis system. This method is extremely common since it is cheap and effective. Here’s how it works: reverse osmosis uses excessive pressure, which forces the water through a membrane. This membrane only allows water molecules to pass through, which means that fluoride concentration is absent from the water.
This permeable membrane blocks not only fluoride but also other minerals and harmful contaminants. However, it is important to remember that water obtained through this process may have a low pH since it has no chemicals.
Activated Alumina
Another effective way to remove fluoride from your water is by using activated alumina. Activated alumina is also known as aluminum oxide, which can be found in rubies and sapphires. Activated alumina can easily absorb fluoride and other elements like thallium and arsenic. Make sure the water you are purifying has a pH value of 6.5 or lower; otherwise, the aluminum oxide will not be able to absorb any minerals that are present in the water.
Bone Char Carbon / Brimac Char
One of the oldest and effective methods to remove fluoride from water is Bone Char carbon, which is also known as Brimac Char. Bone Char has a very high absorption rate, so it absorbs fluoride and all kinds of elements and chemicals that are present in the water. It has a very rich ionic surface, which makes it a great option for organic and inorganic materials.
A good idea is to use this method for water that is slightly acidic since this will increase the chances of absorption. Bone Char is easily available. It comes in filter cartridges and can easily remove up to 90% of fluoride from your drinking water. Bone Char is a great option to opt for if you want fluoride free water.
Distillation
Another old but effective method is distillation. By the process of distillation, you can remove all kinds of chemicals and contaminants from your water – including fluoride. Distillation works through condensation and evaporation. When the water is heated, the boiling water is condensed on the surface. This condensation is then transferred to a new container where it is free from all elements like fluoride. This water is completely pure and only has H2O. In short, even though fluoride is used to make your bones and teeth strong, too much fluoride can result in serious health complications. Use the methods mentioned above to remove fluoride from your drinking water.