Effects on Skin and Hair
While the minerals in Lovington's hard water aren't harmful to drink, they can take a toll on your skin and hair. The primary issues include:
- Dry, Itchy Skin: Hard water leaves behind a soap scum residue that can clog pores and strip skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
- Dull, Brittle Hair: Mineral buildup on the hair shaft prevents moisture from getting in, leaving hair feeling straw-like and difficult to manage.
- Soap Lather Issues: The inability to get a good lather means you're never quite getting clean, and that same residue can exacerbate conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Filtration Guide for Very Hard Water
With a hardness level of 12.0 GPG, addressing the problem at a whole-house level is the most effective strategy. Simple pitcher filters won't solve the core issue of appliance damage.
- Recommended Solution: A whole-house, salt-based water softener is the gold standard for this level of hardness. It actively removes the calcium and magnesium ions. For drinking water, pairing it with an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system provides perfectly pure water for cooking and drinking.
- Alternative: Salt-free water conditioners can be an option if you wish to avoid salt, but they only prevent scale from sticking; they do not remove the minerals.
The Payback: A whole-house softener (around $1,500 installed) can feel like a big investment. However, with estimated annual savings of $126 on energy, detergents, and premature appliance replacement, the system pays for itself in about 11.9 years while providing immediate quality-of-life benefits.