Effects on Skin and Hair
While the minerals in Wichita's water are not a health risk, they do prevent soaps and shampoos from lathering effectively. Instead of rinsing clean, they form a soap scum residue that clings to surfaces, including your body. This often results in:
- Dry, irritated skin and conditions like eczema being exacerbated.
- Dull, lifeless hair that is prone to breakage.
- A persistent feeling of residue on your skin after showering.
Choosing the Right Water Filtration for Wichita
Because the hardness level is so high (14.8 GPG), targeted filters like those for faucets or pitchers are inadequate for home protection. They don't remove the hardness minerals. The most practical recommendations are:
- Whole-House Water Softener: This is the most complete solution. It uses an ion-exchange process to physically remove calcium and magnesium, protecting every pipe, fixture, and appliance in your home from scale.
- Salt-Free Water Conditioner: An alternative for those who prefer not to use salt. These systems condition the water to prevent minerals from forming hard scale, though they do not actually soften the water.
Investing in a solution makes financial sense. A whole-house softener (around $1,500 installed) will pay for itself in 9.5 years by providing an estimated $158 per year in savings. These savings come from lower energy bills, reduced detergent use, and not having to prematurely replace your water heater and other appliances.