How Very Hard Water Affects Your Skin and Hair
The mineral content in Amsterdam's 11.8 GPG water makes it difficult for soaps to rinse away cleanly. This leaves behind a microscopic film on your skin and hair, which can cause:
- Persistent dry skin and flare-ups for conditions like eczema.
- Dull, frizzy hair that's difficult to manage.
- A sticky, 'unclean' feeling even after showering.
While not a health risk, these persistent irritations significantly affect daily comfort and quality of life.
Choosing the Right Water Filter for Amsterdam
Given the 'very hard' classification of your water, a multi-pronged approach is necessary for effective treatment and to protect your home's value.
- Best Solution (Very Hard Water): To truly combat 11.8 GPG water, a salt-based, whole-house water softener is the most reliable investment. It removes the hardness minerals entirely. For purified drinking water, add an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) filter.
- Alternative: A salt-free conditioner will help reduce scale on pipes and heaters but won't provide the 'soft water' benefits for skin, hair, and soap usage.
The Payback: A whole-house softener (~$1,500 installed) pays for itself in about 11.9 years with annual savings of $126 on energy, soap, and premature appliance replacement. An RO system can also replace the $600-$900 annual cost of bottled water for the average family.