Effects of Hard Water on Skin and Hair
The mineral content in hard water reacts with soaps and shampoos, reducing their ability to lather and leaving behind a sticky residue known as soap scum. This film can remain on your skin, leading to dryness and irritation, and on your hair, making it appear dull and feel heavy. While not considered a health risk, these daily effects diminish personal comfort and can be particularly problematic for individuals with sensitive skin.
Filtration Guide for Eldorado at Santa Fe
For water at 7.3 GPG, a salt-free water conditioner is often an effective and low-maintenance solution. It doesn't remove the minerals but instead crystallizes them, preventing them from forming hard scale inside pipes and appliances. This protects your plumbing without adding sodium to your water.
For homeowners seeking complete removal of hardness minerals, a traditional water softener is the alternative. While effective, the financial return is slower at this hardness level. A typical system (~$1,500 installed) would pay for itself in approximately 19.7 years, based on annual savings of $76 from reduced energy and soap usage. For superior drinking water, supplementing either system with a quality pitcher filter or an under-sink RO system is a smart choice.