How Moderately Hard Water Affects Your Family
While the minerals in Reno's water are not a health hazard, they can significantly affect skin and hair. The high mineral content, combined with Reno's naturally dry climate, can exacerbate issues like:
- Dry, itchy skin and aggravated eczema due to soap residue left on the skin.
- Dull, brittle hair that is difficult to manage.
- A feeling of film or residue on your skin after showering.
For families with infants, using hard water to prepare formula can be a consideration, though it is not considered dangerous.
Choosing the Right Water Filtration System for Reno
With a hardness level of 6.2 GPG, a full, salt-based water softener is typically not a financially sound investment for most Reno households. Here’s a breakdown based on your local water data:
- Best Value: For most families, an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system or a high-quality pitcher filter is sufficient. These options effectively remove minerals for excellent tasting drinking and cooking water without the expense of a whole-house system.
- For Scale Reduction: If you are primarily concerned with appliance lifespan and reducing spots on dishes, a salt-free water conditioner is a great choice. It neutralizes minerals to prevent them from forming scale without adding salt to your water.
- Whole-House Softeners: A traditional water softener (~$1,500 installed) would save a Reno household about $68 per year. This results in a payback period of 22.1 years, making it an impractical choice unless you have specific, severe issues with scale buildup.