How Very Hard Water Affects Your Family
While consuming hard water isn't a direct health hazard, its effects on daily life are undeniable. The high mineral content prevents soaps and shampoos from lathering effectively, leaving a residue on your skin and hair.
This can lead to dry, itchy skin, a flaky scalp, and brittle hair. For families with young children, preparing baby formula with such high-mineral water can be a consideration, as it alters the mineral profile of the formula.
Filtration Guide for 19.9 GPG Water
With water this hard, pitcher or faucet-mount filters are simply ineffective and will clog almost immediately. A whole-home solution is required to protect your plumbing and appliances.
- Recommended System: A whole-house, salt-based water softener is the most effective solution for Alamogordo's 19.9 GPG water. This should be paired with an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system for purified drinking water.
- Alternative: A salt-free water conditioner can prevent scale buildup if you wish to avoid salt, but it will not provide the 'soft water' feel.
The financial case is clear. A whole-house softener (approx. $1,500 installed) pays for itself in just 7.1 years through savings of $212 per year on energy, detergents, and avoided appliance replacements. An RO system also eliminates the $600-$900 annual expense of bottled water.