Daily Effects of Moderately Hard Water
While the minerals in Troy's water supply are safe to drink, they can cause a range of cosmetic and comfort issues:
- Skin and Hair: The most common complaint is the feeling of a sticky residue left on the skin after showering. This film can lead to dryness, itchiness, and can weigh hair down, making it look dull.
- Soap Scum Buildup: That same residue is visible as soap scum on your shower doors, tubs, and sinks, requiring more frequent and strenuous cleaning.
- Laundry Issues: Clothes washed in moderately hard water can feel stiff and scratchy, and colors may fade faster over time.
Choosing the Right Water Filter in Troy
With water hardness at 5.3 GPG, installing a whole-house water softener is usually unnecessary and financially inefficient. The projected annual savings of $58 results in a payback period of nearly 26 years for a typical softener installation.
- Best Value Solution: For improving the taste of tap water for drinking and cooking, a quality faucet-mount or pitcher filter is the most practical choice. These filters effectively remove chlorine and other common contaminants.
- Upgrade for Purity: An under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system offers a higher level of filtration, removing dissolved minerals and providing water that is superior to most bottled brands. It's a great investment to eliminate bottled water costs.
- Focus on Scale Prevention: If appliance protection is your main goal, a salt-free water conditioner can help prevent scale buildup without the cost, maintenance, and salt-discharge of a traditional softener.