How Very Hard Water Affects Your Family
While Ruidoso's water is safe to drink, its hardness creates daily frustrations. The high mineral content interferes with soap's ability to lather, resulting in a residue left on skin and hair. Common complaints include:
- Dry, tight-feeling skin after showering
- Dull, limp, or brittle hair that is difficult to manage
- A persistent film of soap scum on bathtubs, sinks, and shower doors
This means using more shampoo, soap, and cleaning products to achieve the desired result, adding to household expenses.
Filtration Guide for Ruidoso's 12 GPG Water
For water in the 7-15 GPG range, you have effective options that can protect your home without the maintenance of a traditional softener:
- Primary System: A salt-free water conditioner is often the perfect fit. It uses a process to crystallize the hardness minerals, preventing them from forming scale inside pipes and on heating elements. This protects your appliances without using salt or creating wastewater.
- Drinking Water: For the best-tasting water, supplement your whole-house system with a quality pitcher filter or an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system.
The investment in a whole-house system provides a clear return. A typical unit (~$1,500 installed) pays for itself in about 11.9 years through combined annual savings of $126 on your Public Service Co of New Mexico bill, detergents, and delayed appliance replacement costs.