Hard Water

Hard water is a term used to describe water with a high dissolved mineral content of calcium and magnesium.

In Tucson, our groundwater is naturally hard. The increased hardness levels come primarily from mixing our area’s hard groundwater with Central Arizona Project (CAP) water. As the percentage of CAP water increases, the hardness level will increase. Hard water is safe to drink and is not a health risk.

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What does hard water mean to me?

The changing mineral levels in hard water can influence how water tastes, with mineral buildup shortening appliance life and clogging pipes. Here are some tips to reduce the effects of hard water:

• Calcium build-up on appliances – Hard water causes calcium deposits to build up in evaporative coolers, water heaters, dishwashers, coffeemakers and washing machines. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to maintain your appliances for hard water. Use laundry and cleaning products designed to minimize the effects for hard water, and use special filters to remove calcium from cooler water and coffeemakers.
• Spotty and streaky dishes – High calcium content causes spotting or streaking of dishes. Use white vinegar on dishes and glassware to reduce spotting. If dishes are cloudy coming out of the dishwasher, run an empty cycle with white vinegar in the soap dispenser to flush out calcium deposits. Use detergent made to use with hard water.
• Clogged taps – Hard water can clog showerheads and water tap aerators. Clean your shower head and aerators with white vinegar or a hard water-specific cleaning product. Vinegar can also remove a hard water ring in a toilet.
• Difficulty ‘soaping up’ – Hard water makes creating lather with soap and shampoo more difficult. Using more soap or using a shower gel will help clean effectively. There are shampoo products available that keep hard water minerals from building up on hair and scalp.
• Inefficient home treatment systems – Hard water does affect home treatment systems. Use a pool test kit to measure the water hardness range and regularly check and maintain your system according to equipment and manufacturer guidelines.

  Visit our page devoted to treatment options to understand the pros and cons of home treatment systems.

Tips & Tricks to Manage Hard Water

• Use a pool test kit to discover home water hardness level.
• Run a cup of white vinegar in the dishwasher rinse cycle or coffeemaker.
• Use a rinse aid in your dishwasher.
• Regularly flush your water heater.
• Set water heater to 120-125 degrees.
• Maintain home treatment systems according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Unscrew faucet aerator and clean – or replace.
• Use lemon juice to spray and soak fixtures.
• Use a wire brush to unclog deposits in valves and pipes.
• Regularly change swamp cooler pads & add an in-line filter.
• Use cleaning products designed to minimize hard water impact.

Why Manage Hard Water?

• More efficient appliances
• Save money on utility bills
• Extend pipe & appliance life
• Better tasting water
• Color-bright laundry