How Very Hard Water Affects Your Family
While Hillsdale's water is safe to drink, its high mineral content can cause noticeable issues for skin and hair. The dissolved minerals prevent soap from lathering properly, leaving behind a residue that can clog pores, leading to dry skin and an itchy scalp. Hair can become brittle and dull.
This effect is more than a minor annoyance; it can aggravate conditions like eczema. For families, the high mineral content is also a consideration when preparing baby formula.
Filtration Guide for Hillsdale's Water
With water hardness at 16 GPG, simple pitcher filters are insufficient for protecting your home. A whole-house solution is necessary to prevent costly damage.
- Best Solution: A whole-house, salt-based water softener is the most effective choice. This system removes the hardness minerals entirely. It should be paired with an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system for pure drinking and cooking water.
- Alternative: For those concerned about salt discharge, a salt-free water conditioner can prevent scale buildup, but it will not remove the minerals or provide the 'soft water' feel.
A whole-house softener (~$1,500 installed) pays for itself in approximately 8.8 years through savings of $171/year on energy, detergent, and premature appliance replacement. An RO system also eliminates the need for bottled water, which costs the average family $600-$900 per year.