How Hard Water Affects Your Family
While not a direct health hazard, Englewood's very hard water significantly impacts daily life. The high mineral content prevents soap and shampoo from lathering properly, leaving behind a residue on your skin and hair. This can lead to:
- Dry, itchy skin and aggravated eczema
- Dull, brittle, and difficult-to-manage hair
- Soap scum buildup on shower doors, tubs, and sinks
For families, preparing baby formula with hard water can be a concern, as the mineral concentration can be significant for an infant's developing system.
Choosing the Right Filtration System for Englewood
With water hardness at 13.4 GPG, simply using a pitcher filter is not enough to protect your home. Here are the most practical solutions for Englewood residents:
- Salt-Free Water Conditioner: This is an excellent choice for the 7-15 GPG range. It doesn't remove the minerals but crystallizes them, preventing them from forming scale inside pipes and appliances. It's a low-maintenance option that protects your investment without adding sodium to your water.
- Whole-House Water Softener: For maximum protection and the 'soft water' feel, a traditional salt-based softener is the gold standard. It removes the hardness minerals entirely. A typical system (~$1,500 installed) pays for itself in approximately 10.4 years by generating $144 per year in savings from reduced energy use, lower detergent costs, and extended appliance life.
- Drinking Water: Pair either whole-house system with an under-sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) system for pure, great-tasting drinking water, eliminating the $600-$900 annual cost of bottled water for the average family.