How Hard Water Affects Your Family
While hard water is considered safe to drink, its mineral content has noticeable aesthetic and comfort-related effects. The dissolved calcium and magnesium react with soaps to form a residue, preventing a clean rinse. This can lead to:
- Dry, itchy skin and scalp
- Dull, brittle, and difficult-to-manage hair
- Aggravation of skin conditions like eczema
- A film of soap scum left on your skin, in tubs, and on shower doors
For families with infants, preparing baby formula with hard water can be a concern due to the high mineral content.
Choosing the Right Water Filtration for Cortland
With a hardness level of 8.0 GPG, protecting your home is a smart investment. Here are the best options:
- Best Overall: A salt-free water conditioner is an excellent solution for most Cortland homes. It prevents scale from forming in pipes and appliances without the maintenance or sodium discharge of a traditional softener. Pair it with a pitcher or under-sink filter for great-tasting drinking water.
- For Maximum Softness: A whole-house, salt-based water softener is the most powerful option. Based on local data, a softener (~$1,500 installed) pays for itself in about 17.4 years through annual savings of $86 on energy, detergents, and extended appliance life.
Consider that an under-sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) system for drinking water can eliminate the need for bottled water, which costs the average US family between $600-$900 per year.