The Effect of 8.3 GPG Water on Skin and Hair
While the minerals in Traverse City's water are not harmful to ingest, they can impact your daily comfort. Hard water makes it difficult to fully rinse away soap, creating a residue that can cause:
- Noticeably dry skin and an itchy scalp.
- Hair that feels flat, dull, and brittle.
- A constant film of soap scum on your shower doors, tubs, and sinks.
Filtration Guide for Hard Water (8.3 GPG)
With hard water in the 7-15 GPG range, homeowners have several excellent options to protect their property and improve their quality of life.
- Best Value: A salt-free water conditioner is often the most practical solution. It doesn't remove the minerals, but it crystallizes them to prevent scale from forming in your pipes and water heater. Pair this with a pitcher or under-sink filter for improved drinking water taste.
- Premium Solution: A traditional salt-based water softener will remove all hardness minerals, providing truly soft water for bathing and cleaning.
A full softener in Traverse City offers about $90/year in direct savings, leading to a payback period of around 16.7 years. However, a less expensive salt-free conditioner can prevent costly appliance damage for a lower upfront investment.