How Very Hard Water Affects Your Family
While not a direct health hazard, very hard water significantly impacts your daily quality of life. The high mineral content prevents soap and shampoo from rinsing completely, leaving behind a residue that can lead to:
- Dry, itchy skin and scalp
- Dull, brittle, and difficult-to-manage hair
- Aggravation of skin conditions like eczema
For families with infants, using hard water to prepare baby formula can be a concern due to the high mineral concentration.
Choosing the Right Filtration System for East Glenville
With water hardness at 10.9 GPG, taking action is necessary to protect your home. A whole-house system is the most effective approach.
- Recommendation: A salt-free water conditioner is an excellent, low-maintenance option that prevents scale buildup without adding sodium to your water. For those who prefer the slick feel of soft water and maximum scale prevention, a traditional salt-based water softener is the most powerful solution.
- Payback Calculation: With potential annual savings of $117 on energy, detergents, and appliance longevity, a whole-house softener (approx. $1,500 installed) pays for itself in about 12.8 years.
- Drinking Water: For purified drinking water, supplement a whole-house system with an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) filter. This eliminates the need for bottled water, which costs the average family $600-$900 per year.