Effects on Skin and Hair
While medically safe to drink, the high mineral content in South Lockport's water prevents soap and shampoo from lathering effectively. This leaves a soap-scum residue on your skin and in your hair, which can lead to dryness, itchiness, and brittle hair. Many residents notice their skin feels tight and stripped of moisture after a shower, a direct result of the 12.1 GPG water.
Choosing the Right Filtration System
With water at 12.1 GPG, you are in the 'very hard' category where scale buildup is a significant financial issue. A traditional salt-based water softener is the most effective solution for whole-home protection. If salt use or discharge is a concern, a salt-free water conditioner is a viable alternative to prevent scale, though it won't provide the 'soft water' feel. For pure drinking water, supplement with an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system.
A whole-house softener (approx. $1,500 installed) pays for itself in about 11.5 years through savings of $130 per year on energy, detergent, and avoiding premature appliance replacement. An RO system also eliminates the need for bottled water, which costs the average family $600-$900 annually.