Effects on Skin and Hair
While the mineral content in Fishers' water doesn't pose a health risk for consumption, it does affect personal grooming. Hard water reacts with soap to form a residue, often called soap scum, that doesn't rinse away cleanly.
This residue can clog pores, leading to dry and itchy skin, and can weigh hair down, leaving it looking dull and feeling brittle. Residents with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema often report that hard water aggravates their symptoms.
The Right Filtration System for Fishers
Given the extreme hardness of 17.9 GPG, a comprehensive strategy is required. Simple pitcher or faucet-mounted filters are not designed to handle this level of mineralization.
- Recommended System: A whole-house water softener is the most effective solution. It removes calcium and magnesium ions, protecting your entire plumbing system and every water-using appliance. For the best quality drinking water, this should be paired with an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system.
- Salt-Free Alternative: For homeowners concerned with salt usage, a salt-free water conditioner can be an alternative. It works by altering the chemical structure of the minerals to prevent them from forming hard scale, but it does not remove them from the water.
Installing a whole-house softener carries an upfront cost (around $1,500), but the return on investment is clear. With annual savings of $189 on utilities and cleaning supplies, the system pays for itself in 7.9 years while also preventing thousands in premature appliance replacement costs.