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What is the difference between hard and soft water

00:00 Fri 06th Apr 2001 |

A. Essentially it boils down (excuse the pun) to mineral content. Hard water filters into our water supplies through soft rock, picking up minerals such as calcium and magnesium on the way, whereas soft water actually passes through hard rock, such as granite, and picks up virtually no minerals at all, making it 'soft'.


Q. Are there any health implications as a result of living in a soft or hard water area

A. People in hard water areas are often concerned by the build up of scum or the fur that you find in the kettle, as it looks unhealthy. However, if anything hard water is probably the healthier of the two as both magnesium and calcium are known to help prevent coronary heart disease by reducing blood pressure. Calcium is also, of course, an important component in healthy teeth and strong bones.

On the other side of the coin, soft water is gentler on the skin and can cause fewer problems for people with skin problems such as eczema or dermatitis.


Q. What about softening hard water

A. Many people in hard water areas use water softeners to make appliances work better and prevent clogging and furring up of pipes. Softening is also popular because soap lathers better in soft water.

But most water softening involves introducing sodium (a component of salt) into the water and experts now recommend softened water is not used for drinking, especially for those on a low salt diets or for premature babies, whose kidneys can not cope with high levels of sodium. Softened water has also been shown to release traces of lead from older pipework into the supply.


Q. What else is added to our water supply

A. Perhaps the most common addition is fluoride. Fluoride, which occurs naturally in water, helps children produce strong adult teeth. However, if too much fluoride is taken in it can lead to fluorisis, where teeth are turned an unsightly brown colour.

Some water companies add fluoride to the water supply and some don't. In areas where it is added experts recommend that only a small amount of toothpaste, just enough to produce a little foam, should be used. If you want to check the situation in your area contact your water supplier.


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By Tom Gard


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