Daily Effects on Skin and Hair
While hard water is safe to drink, its mineral content creates issues with personal hygiene. Calcium and magnesium react with soap to form a residue that doesn't easily rinse off, leading to persistently dry skin, an itchy scalp, and hair that feels brittle or looks dull. Many residents complain about soap that won't lather well, which is a direct result of the 7.8 GPG water hardness.
Filtration Recommendations for Hard Water
At 7.8 GPG, your water is hard enough to justify a whole-house solution to protect your plumbing. A salt-free water conditioner is an excellent, low-maintenance choice that prevents scale from forming in pipes and appliances without adding sodium to your water.
A traditional water softener is also an option. With an installed cost around $1,500 and estimated savings of $81 per year from increased efficiency and reduced soap usage, its 18.5-year payback period is long, but it remains a viable choice for those who also want the 'slick' feel of soft water. For best results, pair any whole-house system with an under-sink reverse osmosis filter for pure, great-tasting drinking water.