How Hard Water Affects Your Family's Skin and Hair
While safe to drink, the 'very hard' water in Ballwin creates noticeable daily issues. The high concentration of calcium and magnesium reacts with soap to form a residue, rather than a clean lather.
- This can lead to dry, irritated skin and worsen conditions like eczema.
- Hair can become dull, brittle, and difficult to style due to mineral buildup.
- You may notice a film on your skin after showering, as soap residue isn't fully rinsed away.
Filtration Solutions for Ballwin Homes
To combat the effects of 16.9 GPG water, a whole-home solution is the most practical and cost-effective approach.
- Top Recommendation: A whole-house water softener is the gold standard for 'very hard' water like Ballwin's. This system removes hardness minerals at the point of entry. For premium drinking water, we recommend pairing it with an under-sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) system.
- Non-Salt Alternative: If you are concerned about salt discharge, a salt-free water conditioner can prevent scale buildup but will not deliver the other benefits of soft water like better lathering or a soft-skin feel.
A typical water softener installation (around $1,500) is a sound investment. By saving an estimated $180 annually on energy, detergents, and premature appliance replacement, the system pays for itself in about 8.3 years.