How Hard Water Affects Your Skin and Hair
While the minerals in Union's water are not a health risk, they do impact daily comfort. Many residents notice dry, itchy skin and brittle hair because hard water minerals react with soap to form a residue that doesn't fully rinse away. This same effect prevents soap and shampoo from lathering properly, leading to increased product usage. For households with infants, preparing baby formula with moderately hard water is safe, but can sometimes contribute to minor digestive issues in sensitive babies.
The Right Filtration for Union's Water
With a moderate hardness of 5.0 GPG, a full whole-house water softener is generally not a cost-effective investment for Union residents. The data confirms this: a softener costing around $1,500 would take nearly 28 years to pay for itself through its modest $54 in annual savings from PSE&G bills and appliance wear. For most households, a more practical approach is targeted filtration:
- Drinking Water: A high-quality pitcher filter (like Brita or PUR) or a faucet-mount filter is sufficient to improve taste and remove chlorine.
- Appliance Protection: Regular descaling of coffee makers and kettles with vinegar is an effective, low-cost solution.
If you currently buy bottled water, an under-sink Reverse Osmosis system can eliminate that recurring cost, which often runs families $600-$900 per year.