Effects on Skin and Hair
While moderately hard water is safe to drink, it often causes noticeable quality-of-life issues. The minerals in the water react with soaps and shampoos, preventing them from lathering fully. This leaves a film on your skin and hair which can lead to:
- Dry, itchy skin and aggravated eczema
- Dull, brittle, and difficult-to-manage hair
- Soap scum rings that are difficult to clean in tubs and showers
Which Water Filter Makes Sense?
For water with 5.0 GPG hardness, a full whole-house water softener is not a cost-effective solution. A high-end softener system costs around $1,500 installed, but with annual savings of only $54, it would take nearly 28 years to pay for itself. A more practical approach for Iron Mountain residents includes:
- High-Quality Pitcher or Faucet-Mount Filters: These are excellent for improving the taste and reducing minerals in your drinking and cooking water.
- Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis (RO): For the purest drinking water, an RO system removes nearly all dissolved solids. It eliminates the need for bottled water, which costs the average family $600-$900 per year.
- Showerhead Filters: These can reduce chlorine and some mineral effects, improving skin and hair condition without altering the entire home's plumbing.