Vijender Reddy Muthyala Co-founder & CEO, DrinkPrime
“Too much of a good thing can be bad for you” – this statement is especially true when it comes to minerals in water. When water has high mineral content (higher than 120 mg/l), it is considered hard and not recommended for consumption and other activities due to its negative effect on hair, skin and even your plumbing!
Most residents in metropolitan cities of India like Bengaluru and Delhi get hard water in their households. Hard water can be temporary or permanent. While the temporary hard water can be used after boiling, permanent hard water has minerals that do not precipitate out even after boiling and require more attention.
When compared to surface water, groundwater is more likely to be mixed with extra minerals making it hard. You might be unaware of the hardness of your water until you see a few signs.
Signs you’re using hard water
● Mineral traces, corrosion and build-ups
Hard water leaves its residue on pipes and other surfaces. This substance is chalky and can cause a decrease in water flow as well as accelerate rusting. It can harm the toughest of metals. Apart from your plumbing, this can also wear down other appliances that use water. You can also find that with time, your kitchenware and clothes that are washed with this water look dull with faded colors or develop white spots.
● Dry skin, excessive hair fall and health issues
The continuous use of hard water for bathing and washing hair leads to damage. The water leaves a thin film of gunk on your skin and absorbs the natural moisture leaving it dry. The same also causes brittle hair that breaks easily due to the build-up. People suffering from eczema or psoriasis are not recommended to use hard water as it dries out and their skin even more. Hard water can cause major irritation to the sensitive skin of children. Although minerals in water are good for your health, too much of it can cause issues like constipation or irregular bowel movements. High magnesium and sulphate levels in your water can lead to diarrhoea.
Here are 3 ways to tackle this issue at home!
● Get a customised water purifier!
While drinking hard water may not cause serious health concerns, it is still better to consume water that does not have any excess minerals. A customised water purifier can ensure that your water is clean, safe and healthy.
● Use a shower filter or water softener
A good quality filter will help convert hard water into soft, getting. While this does not safeguard your pipes and tanks from the effect of hard water it will definitely protect your hair and skin. With the use of these filters, you’ll instantly notice how soap and shampoo lather better and do not cause any irritation.
● Mix vinegar or washing soda
A solution made out of vinegar and hard water can be used to clean your tiles and utensils at home. Scrubbing or soaking your dishes with this mixture will also help remove the marks left behind by hard water usage. Washing soda, on the other hand, can be used to wash clothes as it reacts with the minerals in the hard water, softens it and helps your detergent lather better.
Once you start following the above recommendations, you will eventually notice a difference in your skin, hair, health and other things affected by hard water and the minerals in it. You will find reduced build-up, better lather of products and fewer problems with your gut and overall health!
